When is a Good Time for My Child to Get Dental Sealants?

Children are especially prone to cavities due to their lack of awareness when it comes to their dental health. However, you can help them keep their teeth in good condition by getting dental sealants. Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Karrie Lee can help determine if your child could benefit from dental sealants. Schedule a consultation with WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Aubrey, TX today.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventive plastic coating put on the top of molars and premolars designed to reduce the likelihood of your child getting cavities. These sealants help create a preventive coating to help keep harmful particles from building up on the teeth. This includes:

• Bacteria

• Plaque

• Tartar

• Leftover food particulates

• Other harmful substances

Dental sealants only take a few minutes to apply, but they provide up to ten years of protection to your child’s teeth. This preventive measure can help you to keep your child’s teeth healthy.

When are dental sealants best for your child?

Dental sealants are great for children who do not understand the harmful effects that bacteria and plaque can have on the teeth. Dental sealants can be applied twice. The first time they are applied is when the first set of molars erupts, this usually happens around the age of six, but every child is different. These should last for multiple years or until the second set of dental sealants is put on. Your child can get a second set of dental sealants after their second molars come in. This usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 13. Dental sealants are applied to molars and premolars because these are the teeth most susceptible to cavities. It is best for your child to get dental sealants when they first get molars, as these can develop cavities and spread infections rapidly.

What should I know about dental sealants?

Since children are often scared of the dentist, it is good to know that dental sealants are not painful to apply. Sealants are applied to the teeth by Dr. Lee and then cured using a special light. You should care for your child’s dental sealants just like you would their normal teeth. This means they should have an oral hygiene routine that they practice every day. This routine should include:

• Brushing at least twice a day

• Flossing

• Using mouthwash

• Attending dental exams and cleanings twice a year

This routine, along with dental sealants, can help reduce the chance that your child ends up with cavities or other harmful dental issues that are caused by bacteria.

Get dental sealants in Aubrey, TX

Dental sealants are usually beneficial for children when they get their first molars, which usually happens at the age of 6. This can vary slightly from child to child. You can also choose to reapply the sealants when the second set of molars comes in, generally around the age of 12. Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth from harmful substances. Dr. Karrie Lee can help you determine the best treatment course possible based on your child’s dental needs. Contact WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Aubrey, TX today for a full consultation on the overall state of your child’s oral and dental health.