Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
Our dentists in Grand Rapids, Michigan, may recommend dental sealants for your child if they have deep grooves or divots in their back teeth. Dental sealants fall under the umbrella of preventive dentistry because they can help reduce your child’s risk of cavities in the long run.
Here’s what you need to know about dental sealants for children.
What are Dental Sealants?
As the name suggests, dental sealants are a clear plastic coating that our dentist paints on the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars (back teeth). By sealing the chewing surfaces, plaque and food particles have fewer places to hide in the mouth. This means that sealants help reduce the likelihood of cavities during your child’s next visit with us.
The sealant procedure only takes one appointment with our office. In fact, we may be able to apply dental sealants during your child’s next teeth cleaning. The procedure is simple, quick, painless, and highly effective against cavities.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
According to the , sealants can last up to nine years when your child practices good oral hygiene. However, it’s still important that your child see one of our dentists for preventive care.
During your child’s routine visits, our dentists will be able to check the condition of their sealants to ensure they’re still in good condition. We can also touch up or replace as needed.
Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile
It’s a myth that baby teeth aren’t important. In reality, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s dental development and oral health. Not only do baby teeth help your child eat and speak, but they also hold space in the jaws for your child’s permanent teeth.
If your child were to lose a baby tooth prematurely, the adjacent teeth would drift toward the open space in the mouth. This can lead to a crooked, crowded smile once the adult teeth are ready to erupt through the gums.
It’s always in your child’s best interest to keep their baby teeth healthy until they’re ready to fall out naturally.
Avoid Dental Emergencies
No parent wants their child to experience a dental emergency. The good news is that dental sealants can help your child avoid cavities in the long run.
While you may have to pay some money out of pocket for dental sealants, emergency care typically costs much more. Dental sealants and other types of preventive care help your child avoid fillings, crowns, and other types of restorative dentistry.
In general, preventive dental care is much less expensive than the cost to restore a badly decayed tooth.
Reinforce Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Keep in mind that your child will still need to practice good oral hygiene at home. This means brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. Your child should also be flossing to remove any food particles or plaque hiding between teeth.
If your child has difficulty brushing for the recommended length of time, we recommend singing a song to pass the time. Depending on the age of your child, you may need to supervise them while they brush and floss.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Before agreeing to dental sealants, we recommend checking your insurance policy to see if the procedure is covered.
In general, dental insurance companies will cover the cost of sealants up to a certain age. But it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company before your child’s appointment so you can prepare for any out-of-pocket costs.
Related: Should Adults Get Sealants? →
Learn More About Dental Sealants
Our family dentists in Grand Rapids, Michigan, are accepting new patients. During your child’s appointment, they can help you better understand the advantages of dental sealants so you can make an informed decision for your child. To schedule an appointment, please call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
