Pediatric Dental Sealants: Are They Safe? Yes, And They're Very Effective, Too!

Great oral hygiene and routine six-month appointments at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities. But if you want to provide your child with maximum protection against tooth decay, dental sealants are just what you’ll need.

But are dental sealants safe? Are they worth it? And how do they work? In this blog from Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll take a look at the basics, and discuss the safety of dental sealants, how they work, and more.

What Are Dental Sealants, And How Do They Work?

First of all, what are dental sealants? Basically, dental sealants consist of a thin layer of liquid dental resin. During your child’s appointment at Sea of Smiles, one of our pediatric dentists will “paint” this resin onto their rear teeth using a special brush.

Then, once their teeth are completely covered with the liquid resin, your child’s dentist will activate the resin using a powerful UV light. This hardens the resin, which forms a clear, invisible barrier on your child’s rear teeth. The entire process only takes a few minutes.

Once they're in place, your child’s dental sealants prevent food particles, bacteria, and acid from contacting their tooth enamel directly. This, in turn, dramatically reduces the risk of cavities. Dental sealants can be applied to any tooth, but are usually used for the rear teeth, since these teeth are large and usually have deep ridges that makes them more cavity-prone.

Most pediatric dentists recommend that kids get sealants once at the age of six, when their first adult molars come out, and then again at age 12, which is when their second set of adult molars usually comes out.

Are Dental Sealants Safe For My Child?

Yes. Dental sealants are 100% safe. The resin used to create your child’s dental sealants is completely non-toxic and is very durable. Now, it is true that, over time, your child’s dental sealants will wear away. It’s estimated that sealants are 80% effective after two years, and about 50% effective after four years.

As your child’s sealants wear out, your child may ingest (eat) very small bits of the plastic resin over time. However, as mentioned, the resin used for sealants is completely harmless and non-toxic. The resin will simply pass through your child’s digestive system, just like a piece of food would.

Is It Worth Getting Dental Sealants For My Child?

Yes. Dental sealants are very affordable, especially compared to getting fillings to treat cavities. With a set of dental sealants, you can protect your child’s teeth from cavities and get peace of mind. This is especially true if you have dental insurance. Almost all pediatric dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventive treatments like dental sealants for kids under 18.

Interested In Pediatric Dental Sealants? Come To Sea Of Smiles!

Pediatric dental sealants are completely safe and are a very effective way of preventing cavities. Whether your child is cavity-prone or you just want to provide them with maximum protection against tooth decay, Sea of Smiles is here to help.

We offer dental sealants in Yardley, Bensalem, Warrington, and Glenside. Our pediatric dentists are always accepting new patients, and we’d love to meet you and your little one. Contact us today to get started and schedule your child’s first consultation.