Have you heard about dental sealants for children, but don’t know what they are or if your child needs them? You’re not alone! This simple, non-invasive treatment is a protective, plastic coating applied to the back teeth to prevent cavities. The coating fills the grooves in these teeth to prevent harmful bacteria from settling and causing decay. As pediatric dental specialists in Manhattan, our SmileWorks team is here to help answer your questions about this treatment.
We believe you deserve straightforward information delivered in a friendly, no-pressure environment. Therefore, we help you understand dental sealants, how they work, and whether they might be a smart choice for protecting your child’s smile. As dental specialists who work with families throughout Manhattan and Long Island City, we’ve helped countless parents navigate this decision, and we’re here to help you make this decision and the dental sealant process easy and positive for you and your child.
Why Consider Sealants for Your Child?
Let’s face it – getting kids to brush thoroughly isn’t always easy. Even with the best brushing habits, those tiny toothbrush bristles can’t always reach all the nooks and crannies in the back teeth. This is especially true for younger children who are still developing their brushing skills.
The deep grooves in molars are perfect hiding spots for food and bacteria, making these teeth particularly cavity-prone. The thin, plastic coating dental sealants provide creates an extra layer of defense during these cavity-vulnerable years. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. That’s a significant win in the battle against childhood cavities.
Beyond cavity prevention, sealants offer peace of mind with the following benefits:
- Less worry about perfection: With the protective sealants, you won’t have to worry quite as much about whether your child is brushing those hard-to-reach back teeth perfectly every time.
- Save time and money: Sealants mean fewer dental treatments in the future, which translates to financial savings, fewer dental appointments, and a more positive dental experience for your child.
- Non-invasive: Sealants are a completely non-invasive way to protect children’s teeth without requiring any drilling, anesthesia, or alteration of natural tooth structure.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, sealants can protect your child’s teeth for up to 10 years.
With these benefits and our caring team, you can rely on us to protect your child’s teeth with dental sealants, provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions for at-home oral care, and make you and your child feel comfortable in our Manhattan office.
When Should Kids Get Sealants?
Timing matters when it comes to sealants. Generally, we recommend applying them as soon as the permanent molars erupt, which typically happens around the following ages:
- The first set of permanent molars around age 6
- The second set of permanent molars around age 12
By sealing these teeth shortly after they emerge, we can protect them during the years when they’re most susceptible to cavities. Of course, every child is different, and some might benefit from having their premolars sealed, too, especially if they’re prone to cavities or have deep grooves in those teeth. While this protective measure is most valuable during the cavity-prone childhood and teenage years, even adults without decay or fillings in their molars can benefit from sealants.
Should My Child Get Sealants?
Every child is different, and while most benefit from sealants, you should make this decision based on your child’s unique needs. Sealants might be particularly recommended in the following cases:
- Your child has deep grooves or fissures in their molars.
- Your child has already had cavities in other teeth.
- Your child struggles with thorough brushing.
- Your child snacks frequently throughout the day.
- Your child has limited access to fluoridated water.
During your child’s regular dental checkup at our Manhattan office, we’ll assess their cavity risk and discuss whether sealants would be beneficial. We believe in partnering with you to make informed decisions about your child’s dental care.
Take the Next Step for Protecting Your Child’s Smile With Sealants at SmileWorks in Manhattan
If you’re considering dental sealants for your child, the first step is a regular dental checkup and cleaning. Our pediatric dental team at SmileWorks will examine your child’s teeth, discuss their cavity risk factors, and help you decide if sealants are appropriate. We understand every family is unique, and we’re committed to providing personalized care that respects your preferences while giving your child the best chance for a healthy, cavity-free smile.
Whether you’re new to Manhattan or looking for a dental home specializing in children’s dental health, we’d love to welcome your family to SmileWorks. Our friendly team is looking forward to helping your child achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact our Central Park South office today at (646) 722-1177 or through our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
