Children’s bodies are constantly changing and the rapid growth that they experience impacts all of their biological systems, which includes their teeth and gums. Even though baby teeth are meant to come out so your mature teeth can emerge, it’s still important that kids maintain good oral health practices.

It can be difficult for children to brush and floss their teeth thoroughly, as some places in our mouths are harder to clean than others, particularly our molars. With that said, a great way to help preserve and improve a child’s oral hygiene is by receiving dental sealants from a dentist near you.

Here at our local dentist in Carrollwood, we offer child dentistry services. However, dental sealants are not exclusive to any one age group. For more information about such treatments, give us a call or visit our website today!

What are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a very thin coating that is painted onto the top surfaces of your teeth. This is done to stop bacteria, plaque, and tartar from gathering in the grooves and fissures of your teeth, therefore reducing cavities and decay. It’s composed of a very light white-colored or clear resin.

Essentially, dental sealants act as a protective shield or “seal” for your tooth. It’s a form of preventative dentistry.

When you visit a dentist in Carrollwood to receive dental sealants, they’re typically applied to your premolars and molars. However, they can also be applied to your other teeth, but this is less commonly done.

The Process of Receiving Dental Sealants Near You

Receiving dental sealants from a dental clinic near you is a straightforward process that only requires one appointment to complete.

First, your dentist will most likely perform a dental evaluation and take a series of x-rays. This allows them to develop a comprehensive image of your oral hygiene and the extent of the treatment that is needed. Then, your dentist will get to work applying the sealants themselves.

You have sealants applied to one, two, or all of your teeth; it simply depends on your preferences and what your dentist thinks is best for your specific case.

First, your teeth will be cleaned to remove any plaque or tartar. Once they’ve been dried, your dentist will roughen up the surfaces of your teeth ever so slightly. This helps the sealant adhere to the surface of your teeth better. Then, the sealants are painted over top of your enamel. A special light is employed in order to ensure that the sealants harden into place.

If you or your child have any questions or concerns about the process, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know. You deserve to be comfortable and calm throughout the appointment.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

If you take care to practice healthy habits including brushing and flossing after each meal and coming in for a dental cleaning and checkup every six months, your sealants can last up to ten years. Fortunately, if your sealants require touch-ups, those are easy to do as well, especially since they’ll be worn over time due to day use.

Everyone’s oral health is different, so be sure to speak with a dentist or a child dentist near you prior to undergoing any type of treatment. They’ll be able to identify whether you’re an ideal candidate for this process. If not, they’ll also be able to suggest an alternative course of action.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Sealants?

Generally, most dental insurance plans cover the costs of receiving dental sealants if the patient is under eighteen years of age. But it’s always best to double-check with your insurance provider for the terms and conditions of your plan so you’re not caught off guard.

Should Children Receive Dental Sealants?

Arguably, this is one of the most significant questions asked by parents. Many believe that sealants are unnecessary since their child’s baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, so it’d be better to spend the money and receive such treatment for adult teeth instead.

Although kids can lose their baby teeth at any time while they grow to be teenagers, typically, they don’t start to lose their premolars and molars until they reach the age of twelve. Overall, they’re not as dedicated and as serious about their oral health as their adult counterparts, meaning that their teeth and gums are more susceptible to cavities, decay, and plaque build-up. Furthermore, while brushing and flossing do help to reduce these issues, it doesn’t prevent them completely.

Being proactive is important. Not only will it save you time and money, but receiving dental sealants, especially for your child, will help preserve their oral health in the short and the long term. Simply put, it’s a great option to consider.

If you’re interested in learning more about child dentistry, otherwise known as pediatric dentistry near you, call or come visit us here at Playa Family Dental! Our staff will walk you through the treatment from beginning to end. We want to help both you and your child your oral health on the right track and very much look forward to working with you and your family!

Visit us: https://www.playafamilydentistry.com/