Why Dental Sealants Play an Important Part in Protecting Your Child’s Teeth Marietta, GA
Dental sealants are one of the leading ways you can protect your child's teeth. This preventative dentistry procedure may potentially save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary dental costs. Dental sealants are quick, easy, and painless.
Dental sealants are available at Happy Dental and Orthodontics in Marietta and the surrounding area. Do not give your child's teeth the chance to decay. Call us today at (770) 200-4034 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Why Dental Sealants
According to the American Dental Association, brushing and flossing are the "best ways to help prevent cavities." Unfortunately, however, it is not always easy for children to reach certain areas of the mouth. This is especially true when it comes to molars or the back teeth used for chewing.
Due to the molar's location in the mouth and their rough, uneven texture, they are a common gathering place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria. Luckily, dental sealants can help. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars. They are particularly beneficial for children with gaps in between the teeth.
“Due to their location in the mouth and their rough, uneven texture, molars are a common gathering place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria.”
Sealants Can Stand Up to Sugary and Sticky Foods
As many parents are aware, kids are fond of cavity-forming foods. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages are a big hit with most kids. Children also love sticky foods like toffees, taffies, and gummy candies.
These foods attach onto teeth, and they can be difficult to brush away. Good oral hygiene is not always enough to sweep away the remains of sugary foods. As bacteria feast on sugar, these treats can set your child up for future cavities. Sealants help provide an added defense in the most vulnerable parts of a child's mouth.
“Sealants help provide an added defense in the most vulnerable parts of a child’s mouth.”
Sealants Help Compensate for Poor Brushing
It can be difficult for children to keep up with their oral hygiene. Many children skip their morning tooth-brushing or forget to floss at night. Busy parents may not notice that their children are cutting corners. But over time, skipping brushing or flossing can lead to serious dental problems.
Sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, but they make it harder for bacteria and food to penetrate the enamel. They buy your child a little extra time to catch up with their oral hygiene. Dental sealants offer support to busy families with hectic schedules.
“Sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, but they make it harder for bacteria and food to penetrate the enamel.”
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Dentists Across the Globe Recommend Sealants
Most dentists recommend dental sealants as they deliver promising results. The American Dental Association has found that sealants reduce the risk of molar decay by nearly 80%. According to the CDC, "school-age children (ages 6–11) without sealants have almost 3 times as many cavities in the first molars as children with sealants." This means fewer dental appointments and costly treatments for future complications.
Sealants have been used in dentistry for more than 50 years. During this period, dentists have studied the long-term effects of sealant gels. Institutions like the American Dental Association affirm that sealants are safe for children. Sealants help protect a child's oral health and reduce their chances of tooth decay.
“There is no credible evidence that sealants are associated with health risks.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Q. How do sealants compensate for poor oral hygiene?
Q. Are sealants safe for children?
Q. What are the financial benefits of dental sealants?
Q. How can my child benefit from dental sealants?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. Beyond regular checkups, what additional procedures might a dentist recommend?
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Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Sealants Prevent Common Dental Concerns
Preventive dentistry can help ensure a healthy mouth for years to come. A preventative measure may also save time and discomfort later on. Filling cavities and repairing tooth decay is often painful or uncomfortable. Restoring the damage can be a financial strain and a source of significant stress. Each minor filling causes stress or trauma to the gums and causes further complications over time.
An in-office sealant procedure can save time and trouble later on. It takes less than an hour to apply sealants. If a patient dislikes dentist visits, this procedure can limit the amount of time they spend in the dentist's chair throughout their life.
“Restoring the damage can be a financial strain and a source of significant stress.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What makes dental sealants better than fillings?
A. Some parents balk at the upfront cost of dental sealants, deciding it would be a better choice to pay for their children's dental fillings as necessary. However, tooth decay comes with permanent damage that weakens the teeth. It also makes the teeth more susceptible to further damage. Dental sealants can help protect the teeth's natural coating.
Q. Can dental sealants replace fluoride treatments?
A. No. Dental sealants work best in conjunction with fluoride treatments, as they cannot promote tooth remineralization the way fluoride does. Together, the two can strengthen the teeth against decay.
Q. What is a dental cavity?
A. Cavities, or dental decay, are permanent holes in the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can grow larger and become infected. They occur most often in the grooves of the back teeth.
Q. What do dental sealants look like?
A. Dental sealants typically cannot be seen when your child is talking or smiling. They may be white, clear, or slightly tinted. In any case, they are designed to be discreet.
Q. When is the best time for my child to get dental sealants?
A. Dental sealants are the most effective when applied soon after permanent molars have emerged. For most children, this occurs around age six for the first molars and age 12 for the second set.
Family Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Sealants can reduce your child's lifetime risk of cavities. Dental sealants offer a peace of mind for busy parents and help prevent future dental problems for their children. Let Happy Dental and Orthodontics in Marietta help you explore the benefits of dental sealants. Call us at 770-200-4034 to schedule an appointment with a qualified dentist.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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