PEDIATRIC SEALANTS
Dental sealants are an important tool in preventing childhood cavities and tooth decay, which have become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers. Not only is tooth decay unpleasant and painful, but it can also lead to more serious problems like premature tooth loss and childhood periodontal disease.
When used in combination with other preventive measures, like biannual checkups and an excellent daily home care routine, sealants can bolster the mouth’s natural defenses and keep smiles healthy.
How do sealants protect children’s teeth?
In general, dental sealants are used to protect molars – where four out five instances of tooth decay occur – from oral bacteria and harmful oral acids. These larger, flatter teeth reside toward the back of the mouth and can be difficult to keep clean. Decay-causing bacteria often inhabit the nooks and crannies (pits and fissures) found on the chewing surfaces of the molars, which are extremely difficult to access with a regular toothbrush.
If the pediatric dentist evaluates a child to be at high risk for tooth decay, they may choose to coat additional teeth as well. The sealant acts as a barrier, ensuring that food particles and oral bacteria cannot access vulnerable tooth enamel.
Dental sealants do not enhance the health of the teeth directly and should not be used as a substitute for fluoride supplements (if the dentist has recommended them) or general oral care. However, sealants are less costly, less uncomfortable and more aesthetically pleasing than dental fillings if cavities arise.
How are sealants applied?
The “sealing” procedure is easily completed in one office visit and is entirely painless. Though there are many different types of dental sealant, most are comprised of liquid plastic.
Initially, the pediatric dentist must thoroughly clean and prepare the molars before painting sealant on the targeted teeth. Some sealants are bright pink when wet and clear when dry. This bright pink coloring enables the dentist to see that all pits and fissures have been thoroughly coated.
When every targeted tooth is coated, the sealant is either left to self-harden or exposed to blue spectrum natural light, which works to harden the sealant and cure the plastic.
The final result is a clear (or whitish) layer of thin, hard, durable sealant.
When should sealants be applied?
Sealants are usually applied when the primary (baby) molars first emerge. The sealants may last for the life of the primary tooth, or may need replacing several times – sealant durability depends on the oral habits of the individual child.
Pediatric dentists recommend that permanent molars be sealed as soon as they emerge. In some cases, sealant can be applied before the permanent molar is full-grown.
The health of the sealant must be monitored at biannual appointments. If the seal begins to lift off, food particles may become trapped against the tooth enamel, causing tooth decay.