Common Dental Issues that Sealants Help Prevent

You want to do everything you can to help your children develop healthy oral habits. You teach them to brush and floss. You find toothpaste in a flavor they like. You take them to the dentist regularly. Yet, cavities still happen. In fact, more than half of kids and teens have at least one cavity. 

Fortunately, when it comes to cavity prevention, you can do more than just cross your fingers and hope for the best. Irene Zaki, DDS, offers sealants here at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California, to prevent dental issues in young mouths.

Should you consider this preventive dentistry solution for your child? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

Understanding dental sealants

Molars are particularly hard to keep plaque- and tartar-free. Not only are they in the back of your child’s mouth, where brushing and flossing are more difficult, but they’re also filled with tiny grooves that can trap bacteria. 

At least, that’s the case without sealants. But when Dr. Zaki applies sealants to your child’s teeth, it bonds a protective coating to the chewing surface of the molars. As the name suggests, this dental option seals your child’s teeth and protects them against potential problems, helping to lower their risk of oral health issues. 

In fact, sealants reduce the risk of decay in your child’s teeth by 80%. 

Plus, getting sealants is painless, and the process is relatively quick. 

Deciding when to get sealants for your child

If you’re curious whether sealants could be right for your child, talk with Dr. Zaki. She evaluates your child’s oral health and brushing and flossing habits to see if they would benefit from this preventive option. 

Generally, kids get the biggest benefit when we apply sealants soon after their molars grow in. This protects the teeth from their earliest days in your child’s mouth, minimizing their risk of cavities over time. 

If your child gets sealants, teach them to avoid biting directly on hard food or ice with their back molars, as this can damage the sealants. 

Sealants usually last several years. Dr. Zaki checks your child's sealants at each biannual dental exam at our office, and if they need reapplication, we offer that right here. 

If you’re looking for a way to protect your child’s oral health through the years — and especially one that doesn’t require any extra work from you or them — don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Zaki about sealants. To schedule a consultation, call our office or book a visit online today.