As a parent, you may wonder if preventative treatment, like sealants, for baby teeth, is necessary. Considering baby teeth are going to fall out, it is easy to think these teeth don’t matter much. However, baby teeth are important to your child’s overall health and development. Baby teeth assist with chewing and speaking, and provide a place for the permanent teeth to move into. This is why it is important to seek advice about preventative treatment like sealants to protect these baby teeth.
Why Baby Teeth are Important
Baby teeth are not just placeholders; they are responsible for guiding the permanent teeth into their position and laying the foundation for your child’s chewing and speaking abilities. When baby teeth are lost at a young age because of cavities, it can cause misaligned teeth, space loss, or discomfort to the child while eating. It is important to prevent decay in your child’s teeth, and sealants are a preventative measure you can explore with your dentist in Georgetown.
Understanding Sealants in Children
Sealants are thin plastic protective films that are put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). In all pediatric dentistry in Georgetown, sealants are applied to baby molars because baby teeth are much more cavity-prone than permanent teeth. Baby molars are especially vulnerable because of the depth of the grooves that hold bacteria and food, which creates cavities, even if the child brushes his or her teeth regularly! Sealants convert the deep grooves into a smooth surface on the tooth, making it easier to clean and preventing decay.
Are Dental Sealants Necessary for Baby Teeth?
This is an individual decision based on your child’s cavity risk. If your child has deep grooves in their baby molars and is having difficulty brushing, or they have had a cavity before, sealants can be beneficial. Keep in mind that baby teeth will guide the permanent teeth in your child, and decay in baby teeth can create dental problems with permanent teeth!
When Should Kids Get Dental Sealants?
Timing. Sealants are typically placed after the molars erupt, which is often around age 6 for the first permanent molars and later for the other teeth. If a child is cavity-prone, then sealants may even be indicated on baby molars. You can always ask a dentist near you about the best timing for your child’s sealant.
Benefits of Sealants for Baby Teeth
Parents often ask about the benefits of sealants for children’s baby teeth. The benefit is the prevention of cavities. Sealants form a barrier against food particles and bacteria. This means fewer fillings and other dental work are needed. Sealants are hassle-free, quick and painless, and last a long time—making it an easy step to keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
Do Baby Molars Need Dental Sealants?
Cavities most commonly occur in the back teeth or molars, due to their pits and grooves. If your child has a history of cavities or struggles with brushing, sealing baby molars can be very helpful. Keeping these teeth protected can help your child keep them until they fall out on their own. This simple step can prevent unnecessary pain and dental visits. It also supports healthier growth and development for your child’s smile.
How Long do Sealants Last on Baby Teeth?
Sealants can protect the teeth for many years, but as with any other material, they can wear off later on. Sealants are routinely assessed by dentists, and replacement sealants are provided if the sealants are worn down. Even when sealants wear out, the tooth still may remain cavity-free for many years, because the most important early stage of protection has already been provided.
Finding the Right Dental Support
If you are thinking about sealants for your child, you will want to speak with a Georgetown dentist near you with experience regarding children’s dental needs. A professional examination can determine if your child needs sealants and when they would be appropriate.
The dentist can also educate you on the duration of sealants and how they function, as well as what to expect for the uncomplicated application process. This gives you confidence that your child’s teeth are well cared for. With the right information, you will be able to make confident decisions for your child’s dental health in the long run.
Protecting your child’s smile with SunnyView Dental Georgetown
Sealants are an easy but effective way to protect baby teeth, and ultimately help set your child up for future healthy smiles. If you have questions about when to get sealants, if it is something worth doing, or if you just want to know about the long-term care of your child’s teeth, our team at SunnyView Dental Georgetown will walk you through each step of the way. Don’t wait until cavities are a problem; book an appointment today and protect your child’s smile!