Dental sealants are an important way to protect teeth from cavities, especially for children. It’s a simple and painless procedure that reduces the risk of tooth decay by up to 80% and can last for years.
A dental sealant is a coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars. These back teeth contain small pits and grooves that trap food. Food left in these spaces, even after brushing, combines with bacteria to cause tooth decay. Dental sealants prevent this from happening.
Dental sealants protect teeth from cavities.
School-aged children who don’t have sealants have 3 times as many first molar cavities as children who receive dental sealants.
Cavities and other oral health issues in children can impact their ability to learn, talk, eat, and their self-esteem.
Generally, sealants should be applied as soon as the tooth comes in. For molars, that’s usually between the ages of 5-12. But, sealants are important and can be applied into the teen years.
Every person is different, but sealants can last for several years. Your dentist will check on them during routine visits.
Because sealants prevent cavities, which are more expensive to fix, most dental plans cover them for children with little or no out-of-pocket cost. The savings can be significant. Treating a decayed tooth can cost up to $3,000 over a lifetime!
Ask your dentist about sealants today!