Questions and Answers About Dental Sealants

Does your child get cavities often? If so, their pediatric dentist in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL, may recommend dental sealants. As a parent, you may not have heard of dental sealants before. Below, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions about dental sealants, so you can make an informed decision if you’re considering this for your child.

1. What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a protective coating the dentist can apply to your child’s molars. Dental sealants protect the tooth enamel from bacteria and food.

2. Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?

Kids can easily get cavities because they eat a lot of sugar and often don’t brush their teeth well. Children are the most common recipient of dental sealants because they help kids avoid cavities. Adults can help kids get cavities too.

3. Do Dental Sealants Work?

Dental sealants do work. In fact, dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities for the first two years.

4. How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last for years, but they will start to wear off after a while. Your child’s dentist may recommend that your child get dental sealants when they’re six years old, and again a few years later.

5. Are All Children Eligible for Dental Sealants?

Dentists often recommend sealants when the first molars come in at age 6, and again at age 12. Older children can get dental sealants as well.

Are you interested in dental sealants for your child? You can learn more about this helpful option during your child’s next pediatric dental exam in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL.

Interested in Dental Sealants for Your Child? Here’s What to Know

Protecting your child from cavities can be tough. Children eat a lot of sugar and don’t always brush their teeth that well. One of the things you can do to protect your child from cavities is to get them dental sealants.

Your dentist in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL, will tell you more about this, but dental sealants offer a layer of protection over your child’s back teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a coating painted on teeth to protect them from bacteria. They are long-lasting and can be reapplied periodically as they wear off.

Why Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants offer a layer of protection that can help prevent cavities in your child. They are applied to the back teeth because molars have deep grooves where food particles can get stuck, causing tooth decay over time. Dental sealants keep the tooth enamel and the food particles separate, stopping tooth decay.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last for as long as five years, but most children need them replaced periodically. Your child’s dentist will recommend replenishment as needed.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

Dental sealants are considered safe and effective. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are often recommended to get dental sealants. If you’re interested in getting sealants for your child, talk to the dentist about this at their next pediatric teeth cleaning in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL. At Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we offer our patients a range of dental services and can help you decide if sealants are right for your child.