Will Dental Sealants Benefit My Child?
How do dental sealants protect my child’s teeth?
In a previous post, we discussed fluoride and its benefits to children’s dental health. Using fluoride in conjunction with dental sealants as your child grows, provides even better protection. Your dentist or hygienist can cover your child’s rear molars with a clear sealant coat to protect them from decay. This is usually done around age six for permanent teeth, or earlier for baby teeth. If your baby’s teeth appear vulnerable to decay, your baby’s dentist may apply sealants to keep the teeth from being lost too early.
The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of dental sealants because regular tooth brushing does not effectively remove plaque from the deepest grooves in molars. Sealants significantly limit the development of tooth decay.
But are dental sealants safe?
There has been some controversy surrounding sealants, over concerns related to the possibility of Bisphenol A (BPA). According to the ADA, BPA is not a formula ingredient in dental sealants. It can, however, be present in dental sealants as a trace ingredient, as a result of how they are produced and processed, or due to degradation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found that the possible exposure to BPA as a result of the use of dental sealants is negligible. The ADA, HHS and FDA all consider sealants safe and very effective.
If you do not protect your child’s baby teeth, they will be left open to the effects of harmful bacteria. If not properly dealt with, the growth of bacteria is likely to lead to decay and fillings, which could eventually lead to a crown or a root canal. Dental sealants prevent the whole potentially painful and costly process from the start. Your dentist can address any concerns you may have regarding the safety of sealants.
Is there anything else I should know about the use of dental sealants to protect my child from tooth decay?
It is important to remember that sealants do not replace the need for a proper dental care routine. Your child must continue regular visits to his dentist for preventive dental care, and brush and floss daily. You can read more about proper flossing in a previous post. Dental sealants should be checked regularly and, if necessary, can be replaced at any time. They typically last five to ten years.
How are sealants applied to the teeth?
The application of sealants is easy and painless for your child. Visit our Pediatric Dentist page to learn more about how we apply dental sealants to a child’s teeth.
Are dental sealants covered by dental insurance?
Because they are so effective in preventing tooth decay that would otherwise result in more extensive and expensive treatment, many insurance companies cover the application of dental sealants. Check your plan or contact your dental insurance carrier to be sure your plan covers dental sealants. Your dentist’s staff may be able to help you with this.
Why is Watertown Dentistry my best choice for a baby’s dentist and for the care of my child’s teeth throughout childhood?
Watertown Dentistry is experienced in pediatric dental care. We provide a full range of services to keep your entire family’s teeth healthy and beautiful. We take pride in protecting your child’s dental health and look forward to caring for all of their dental needs!
Call us for more information (617) 600-3442
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