Sealants for Children

A dental sealant is a thin, temporary coating of tooth-colored resin that adheres to the surface of the teeth. It seals small cracks in the enamel and thus prevents food particles, plaque, and harmful bacteria from entering the oral cavity. Sealants are reportedly more effective than brushing alone at preventing cavities because they strengthen weak spots in the dentine. They also drastically reduce gingivitis—bleeding gums—by bridging tiny gaps between individual teeth that are too small for an ordinary toothbrush to reach.

Easy Application and Clean Up

Your dentist or hygienist will apply the sealant at your next checkup. The procedure takes only 20 minutes and doesn’t require a local anesthetic. It is virtually painless, and patients usually resume their normal activities immediately after. Afterward, you’ll have to brush and floss as usual. When you need to remove your sealant, it will simply peel off with a special removal gel that won’t cause any damage to the tooth itself.

Helps Prevent Cavities

Dental sealants for children’s teeth are more effective at reducing cavities than traditional toothpaste and brushing. They form a layer of protection around the chewing surfaces of permanent molars that prevents food particles, bacteria, and other acids from getting inside. They completely cover the tiny grooves on the biting surfaces of your teeth to keep cavity-causing bacteria from spreading.
After you are finished eating and brushing, your sealant will help you remove food particles and plaque by acting like a sponge after being coated with fluoride varnish during application. When exposed to moisture, it absorbs plaque-forming substances such as sugars, starches, and proteins until they’re dissolved away

Improves Appearance

As a cosmetic enhancement, the sealant is visible against the tooth’s surface and thus protects both the enamel and an expensive porcelain veneer from staining or otherwise damaging your smile. Your dentist can customize a shimmery hue to match or complement your other teeth. White, for example, is usually used on permanent molars for greater visibility, whereas tooth-colored sealants are more prevalent on baby teeth to eliminate distraction from appearance considerations.

Long Lasting

Dental sealants for children’s teeth are highly effective and usually last for six years or longer before you’ll need to have it reapplied. Since they’re only applied to vulnerable areas on the tooth, you’ll be less likely than adults to need additional procedures while they protect your smile. If a cavity develops between your sealant and the enamel, a dentist can treat it without removing the entire layer because it’s only bonded to the dentin. It means you can easily avoid returning for additional treatment in your area.

Prevent Gingivitis/Gum Disease

Dental sealants for children’s teeth help prevent gingivitis—the bleeding gums. They cause the gums to form a protective layer of tissue over the gum line once the sealant is bonded safely to the tooth. It prevents plaque from entering the gum and causing damage that can lead to gum disease. It also helps prevent bad breath caused by the accumulation of food particles and bacteria between relatively small gaps between your teeth where brushing and flossing may be ineffective.