5 Ways Dental Sealants Protect Kids From Cavities

Meet Our Secret Weapon: Dental Sealants 

Cavities are a very common problem among children, especially in the molars. The deeper the grooves in the teeth, the more prone they are to harboring cavity-causing bacteria.

But you’re not on your own in the fight against cavities. First, you have the team at We Make Kids Smile to help you every step of the way, but we have our own secret weapon that can help you fight against those cavities. Of course, brushing those little teeth twice a day and flossing at least once is your best bet at fighting against those cavity monsters, but there is an extra shield that can help by creating a shield for those teeth, providing extra protection for the areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. What are these magical shields? Dental sealants!

Dental sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of those back teeth. It works like a shield, blocking the deep grooves of the molars from cavity-causing bacteria. With its help, cavities don’t even have a chance to get started. 

1. Seals Out Food Particles and Bacteria

Dental sealants work by creating a smooth barrier over the deep grooves in molars. These crevices are prime real estate when it comes to cavities and the plaque that creates them. This is especially important when it comes to children, as they learn to care for their teeth. WIth the help of dental sealants, food, sugars, plaque, and bacteria don’t have a chance to become trapped in the deepest grooves and create cavities. Now, this isn’t a replacement for brushing those teeth twice a day, every day, but it can help buy precious time between lunch and dinner. 

2. Strengthens Tooth Enamel

Did you know that sealants can help strengthen the tooth’s enamel? They do this by adding an extra layer of protection against acid and decay. This shield not only prevents things from getting in, but it prevents the enamel underneath from becoming worn and otherwise damaged. Some dental sealants actually contain fluoride, which can add those precious minerals back into the teeth and strengthen the enamel. 

3. Makes Brushing More Effective

Many parents only think about cavity prevention when it comes to the perks of dental sealants, but that’s not the only thing to think about! Dental sealants actually help children learn to clean their teeth better. The dental sealants create smooth surfaces on the teeth, making it easier for children to clean their smiles more effectively. As a child learns to care for their teeth themselves, this can help protect those teeth a little better.

However, it’s suggested that you help them out until they are at least 6 years old so that you can be certain their teeth are cleaned properly. If your child is nearing this milestone, be sure to reach out to We Make Kids Smile; it just might be the perfect time for them to get dental sealants. 

4. Saves Time and Money on Future Treatments

With the help of dental sealants, your child will be much less likely to deal with cavities and tooth decay in those rear teeth. This does more than you might realize. By preventing cavities, it can decrease the chance of them developing dental anxiety, which can occur when a child requires more invasive dental procedures. Let’s face it, we would all prefer your child to avoid those experiences. By preventing cavities now, it reduces the need for fillings or even costly dental work to repair the damage caused by dental decay later on.

5. Quick, Painless, and Long-Lasting Protection

It’s a common misconception that dental sealants take a long while to put on. In all reality, the application process only takes a few minutes per tooth. Though the application process might be brief, that doesn’t mean the benefits are short-lived. In fact, dental sealants can stay on your child’s teeth, keeping them safe from cavities for years to come. If your child keeps up with their oral hygiene (brushing twice a day and flossing once) their sealants can last for up to 10 years.

You Have Help in the Fight Against Cavities

Many parents don’t know that We Make Kids Smile has a secret weapon against cavities: dental sealants. They are one of the easiest ways to keep smiles cavity-free, simply creating a thin shield on the surface of the molars, setting your child up for dental success that will follow them throughout their life. 

Does your child have a dental cleaning coming up? If not, jump online and get one set up! While you’re there, don’t forget to ask the staff at We Make Kids Smile if your child is a good candidate for dental sealants.