Dental visits are something I dreaded most as a child. The atmosphere in the clinic, the tools used, the overbearing light…it is stuff that a child’s nightmares are made off! When I had to take my little girl to the dentist for a routine check-up, I was more nervous and worried than she was! The dentist pointed out tiny black particles on my child’s teeth and though I am extremely particular about her brushing her teeth twice a day, I can just never stop her from grabbing a bite of her favourite choco-chip cookie or ghee and sugar soaked laddoos. That’s when the doctor told me about dental sealants.
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What are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are a protective barrier- made of resin- placed on the pits and fissures of the teeth’s chewing surface. They are used for the purpose of sealing out food and bacteria that result in areas where you can’t’ clean effectively with the toothbrush.
Image source: kidsdentalonline
Which Teeth Are Sealed?
Sealants are usually placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth- i.e premolars and molars of your child’s teeth. The number of teeth that need sealants depends upon the child’s incidence towards cavities.
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At What Age Should My Child Get A Sealant?
It is said that sealants should be applied to your child’s teeth, soon after the permanent teeth erupts. So, getting a sealant at the age of 5 or 6 would be a right move. Here’s what Colgate has to say about sealants- read here.
Image source: foxkidsdentistry
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What Are The Benefits Of A Sealant?
There is no doubt that Sealants help prevent caries, tooth decay and possible tooth extraction. A report from American Dental Association suggests how dental sealants have helped prevent or reduce cavities by up to 80% immediately, and up to 60% for four years or more. The best part about sealants? They are fairly easy to apply- with minimal discomfort and pain to your child. The applied sealant binds to your child’s tooth enamel and a curing light(UV) helps the sealant to stick hard to the surface of the teeth. The procedure is simple and is done in a short while- so your child doesn’t endure any pain or discomfort. Also, the apparent cost of getting a sealant is a lot less than the frantic visits you will have to make to the dentist to fill cavities.
Are There Any Associated Risks With Dental Sealants?
As much as sealants are known to reduce cavities and protect your child’s teeth for longer periods, there is another school of thought surrounding the same. The BPA content in dental sealants is strongly debated upon and how harmful (or not) is the discussion among paediatric dentists. But news reports suggest how sealants contain minuscule amounts of BPA and how other things around us contain more BPA than you could imagine. Read here to know more.
Things To Remember:
- Remember sealants are a not a necessity. Children who are careful about avoiding sugary foods and maintaining a good oral hygiene might not need dental sealants to help prevent cavities.
- Remember that sealants are only a preventive measure for good oral hygiene. They do not act as a cure or treatment modality for existing cavities. Children genetically prone to getting cavites will.
- If you decide to go ahead with sealants for your child, make sure you consult your paediatrician and dentist regarding any existing allergies your child may have.
- Also, make sure to discuss the procedure of applying the sealant itself and what measures you should take once it has been applied.
Dr Varsha Daryanani, a well known paediatric dentist talks about sealants, flossing, and the right way to brush your child’s teeth. Watch this video to know more.
Image source: kangaroosmiles
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KSP Team
Dr Ipshita Suyash
Mansi Zaveri
