Do your child’s teeth get decayed easily?
Kids always have their tantrums while brushing teeth avoiding brushing properly in the back region which is the most susceptible region for decay. There are natural deep grooves present in these teeth which tend to accumulate food and if not brushed properly get decayed. So there is a need to protect such teeth. This can be done with help of sealants which will fill the tooth and seal it completely.
What are Fissure Sealants?
It’s a thin white coating painted on back teeth which seals the deep grooves on the teeth. This coating bonds on the tooth surface preventing food and bacteria from collecting on the tooth surface, and minimizing the risk of cavities. It’s a preventive treatment, especially for children who are more prone to tooth decay.
How do dental sealants work?
These are preventive measures used for mainly back teeth that are molars and premolars which seal the grooves making the tooth self-cleansable. As the grooves are sealed there is no chance of food getting lodged on the tooth surface. Also if children tend to miss brushing at times, they won’t be prone to decay as the tooth is free from deep pits and grooves.
Is the procedure painful?
The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes for each tooth. It’s a completely painless procedure and there won’t be any difference felt post-treatment.
Which teeth generally need dental sealant application?
While children are prime candidates for sealant application (i.e. they need sealant application for molar teeth at around 6 years of age), they can also be used in adults who have deep grooves present with molar teeth. These sealants last for many years but may chip or wear over time, hence requiring regular follow-up by a dentist. The good part is that once a sealant stays intact for 5 years, the sealed tooth is at half the risk for decay as the unsealed tooth.
When should the sealant application be done?
Sealants are often applied as soon as the first permanent molar is seen in the mouth. That is usually between 6 – 7 years of age. Children undergo a transition phase from 6 years of age, wherein front milk teeth fall off giving space for new teeth to erupt. This is the same time when four permanent molars erupt behind the last baby molars on all four sides. During this transition phase, a child’s brushing gets compromised as front teeth are very mobile and there is a fear of them falling. This is the same time when permanent molars have deep grooves and become susceptible to food lodgement and leading to tooth decay. Hence sealants can be an additional preventive measure used to help protect a child’s teeth. The next set of molars comes at age of 13 -14 years of age. So again sealant application is recommended for them. Also, children who require braces and adults with a tendency to decay are advised for sealant application.
Do I still have to brush my teeth regularly?
Yes. It is very important to do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now easy to clean without any food getting lodged in the deep grooves and making brushing easier and all molar areas self-cleansable. This helps in keeping the teeth healthy and clean with normal brushing. Use fluoridated toothpaste at night daily and once a day, which will help protect the teeth. This sealant application reduces the need for any dental fillings or any advanced treatment.
Aftercare for pit and fissure sealants
Sealant application is not an alternative for your brushing. It is important to brush your teeth twice daily even after sealant application. Cleaning your teeth regularly and appropriately along with a properly balanced diet ensures that the sealant lasts longer. Also, it is essential to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough check-up to make sure that the sealant is intact and there is no cavity formation. Sealants do wear off at times due to biting anything hard or improper brushing. In such cases, they can be reapplied and replaced to save the tooth from any decay.
Conclusion
It is found that children without sealants have almost three times more decay than children with sealants. Never forget that sealant application is only a preventive treatment performed by your dentist. Sealant application with proper oral hygiene measures, having a balanced diet, and regular check-ups with your dentist will help you protect your child’s teeth from any decay.
Highlights:
- There are natural deep grooves present in the teeth which tend to accumulate food
- Sealants are a preventive treatment, especially for children who are more prone to tooth decay.
- The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes
- Sealants are often applied as soon as the first permanent molar is seen in the mouth.
- Sealant application is not an alternative for your brushing
- Children without sealants have almost three times more decay than children with sealants.
Get your child’s oral health checkup at Credence Dental from our pediatric dentists to understand the precautions you would need to take to ensure your child’s teeth are in good shape.
Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today! or just drop into our Dental Clinic at RR Nagar in Bangalore
