Dubai, UAE - Good dental health is important for children of all ages. It sets a foundation for healthy oral habits as they enter adulthood. One way to protect your child’s teeth from decay and damage is by investing in sealants – a thin surface coating that helps defend against plaque build-up and cavities. Here are a few key reasons why having sealants applied can help protect your child’s teeth.

Seals out the decay-causing bacteria
Plaque can accumulate quickly within the deep grooves on the back molars of your child’s teeth, leading to painful cavities if not addressed properly at an early age. Cavities may not be completely eradicated solely by brushing and that is when sealants come into play. Sealants form an essential barrier between tooth enamel and any harmful bacteria lurking beneath the gum line. By applying sealants on cavity-prone areas before cavities develop, you can prevent further possible damage due to tooth decay and infections that untreated cavities can cause for your child. As kids have a sweet tooth and often eat sugary treats throughout their childhood years, these protective coatings help strengthen their vulnerable enamel and repel bacteria prematurely when applied professionally by our team at myPediaclinic, one of the best pediatric dental clinics in Dubai.

Extra protection for harder-to-clean areas
Even if your child practices good oral hygiene, cleaning the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth is not always easy. Food and germs can become lodged in the grooves where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach. This can result in a cavity on the tooth's chewing surface. Once sealed, acidic food particles will no longer be able to build up within these crevices. This means more protection overall from deeper surface contamination which otherwise may be missed during regular brushing sessions using basic bristles. “Dental sealants for children are typically applied shortly after their first permanent molars erupt, between the ages of six and seven, and again when their second permanent molars erupt, between the ages of 12 and 13 years old. This is also the age when children are most prone to cavities. While dental sealants for adults are an option, they are a more common preventative treatment for children and teenagers,” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, the best Pediatric Dentist in Dubai.

Easy to apply and lasts long
Sealants are applied to the teeth in a quick and painless procedure and do not require any drilling, anesthesia, or numbing of the teeth. First, your child’s tooth is cleaned to remove all food particles and germs from the grooves. Following that, your Pediatric Dentist in Dubai will apply a special gel to the chewing surface for a few seconds before rinsing it with water. The tooth is dried and painted with a thin layer of liquid dental sealant material, which can harden by shining a special light on the tooth for a few seconds. Each tooth is sealed in a matter of minutes. Tooth sealants are typically made of a tooth-coloured plastic resin material and it may not exactly match the natural tooth colour. On the plus side, it is barely visible as it is only applied to the back teeth.

After the sealant has been applied, your child can eat and drink normally. They should also continue to brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene and protect their teeth from decay.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants, once applied, protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
“With proper care, dental sealants can protect your child’s teeth for up to ten years! Though, sealants do fall out on occasion. We'll check your child's sealants at their dental exams at myPediacinic to make sure they're still in place and working properly. If a sealant falls off, we can quickly replace it to keep your child's teeth cavity-free. To ensure that sealants last as long as possible, it is best to keep your child away from biting into hard candies, chewing on ice or lollipops, and other activities that will easily chip away at the seal,” says Dr. Yasmin.

It is cost effective
Compared with other treatments such as fillings or root canal therapy down the line, investing in preventive services like sealants will save you money in the long run; plus regular check-ups assessing its condition helps catch any problems earlier before ongoing damage occurs. This will give you a peace of mind concerning your child’s oral health needs going forward in life!

Signs your child might need a dental sealant
Dental sealants will be most beneficial if applied before cavities form. Dental sealants are typically required in the following situations:

1. If you find narrow grooves and fissures on your child’s newly erupted permanent back teeth (molars).
2. If you notice staining in the grooves and fissures
3. If one of your child’s first permanent molars has decayed
4. If your child’s baby tooth decay is severe
5. For children with special needs
6. If your child’s grown up tooth came out extremely yellow or sensitive

Types of sealants
Resin-Based Sealants and Glass Ionomer Sealants are the two main types of dental sealants for children. Resin-based sealants adhere for a longer period of time and they must be applied to a completely dry area. Fluoride is present in Glass Ionomer Sealants, which can help to prevent (and sometimes reverse) decay. When your child grows older, these sealants are usually replaced with resin-based sealants. Consult the dentist for children in Dubai to see which sealant is best for your child.

About myPediaclinic: myPediaclinic is one of the leading pediatric dental clinics in Dubai. Our team of qualified award-winning Pediatric Dentists at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City is highly experienced in treating children tailored to their unique needs. We provide state-of-the-art care to young patients in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere with efficient treatment. Our pediatric dentist will answer all your queries related to your child’s oral health and overall development and teach them to take care of their teeth well.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment