An excellent dental care routine during childhood paves the path for healthy teeth and gums in the future. But, ironically, it is a proven fact that children are more susceptible to dental decay. Hence, some additive steps are of paramount significance when it comes to children’s dental regimens. Toothpaste and dental floss are critical for children, but they may not be enough to keep cavities at bay. This is when dental sealants come to the rescue. In case you are keen on grasping more about sealants and how they can protect your child’s smile, you are at the right place.

A Brief Overview of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are the safety gear that keeps teeth protected from bacteria, plaque, and tartar formation. It is applied over the deep grooves on the chewing side of the teeth, particularly on the molars. The primary objective of sealants is to fill up the deep and inaccessible areas of the teeth to prevent debris accumulation. Statistics show that the use of sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by 80 percent among children. 

Is There a Right Time to Get Sealants?

Experts recommend that children should get sealants as soon as the first molars prop up, that is, approximately at the age of six. Furthermore, the second molars erupt by the age of twelve. Applying dental sealants the moment molars emerge is a great tactic to diminish visits to the dentist in the future. Sealants are durable and last for years without needing any replacement or repair. They are, indeed, the perfect investment for comprehensive dental health. 

Application of Dental Sealants

Despite the supposed complication, the process of applying dental sealants is easy, quick, and painless. To begin with, a dental cleaning is undertaken to rid the teeth of dental plaque and tartar. After that, the chewing surface of the child’s teeth is painted with sealant. Although sealants are made of plastic, they are unnoticeable. Dental sealants do not need frequent reparations, but it is essential to get them checked time and again. It is imperative to get a child’s dental checkup done every six months, and this is when the dentist can also examine the sealants.

The durability of sealants is what makes them exceptional for maintaining health. As a matter of fact, their durability can be extended even more through stringent dental care. Children need to engage in regular brushing of teeth, followed by dental flossing. They can also use a mild mouthwash for some extra protection. Furthermore, using a toothpaste tube with adequate fluoride concentration is crucial to strengthening children’s precious enamel. Lastly, it is essential to keep in check what a child consumes as over-eating sugary foods and drinks and cause irreparable harm to the teeth and damage the dental sealants way before they are due to expire. 

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