Dental sealants can play a major role in your child having a happy and healthy smile.
But at the same time, they are not risk-free, which is why many parents feel conflicted whenever the topic is brought up by a pediatric dentist.
So, are dental sealants worth it? Keep reading to find out!
Dental sealants are a type of coating placed over the chewing surface of a child’s molars.
They are used to prevent tooth decay and ensure the child doesn’t suffer premature baby tooth loss (when applied to primary teeth), but also to protect permanent teeth if the child is at a higher risk for developing cavities.
The resin coating is brushed over the tooth and hardened. The procedure itself does not cause any pain or discomfort for the child.
Dental sealants help prevent cavities, which is their primary benefit and the reason why pediatric dentists recommend them. They can also last for years, providing the child’s teeth with long-term protection.
Cavities form when the child cannot remove all food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Sometimes, this is a direct result of poor oral hygiene, but there may be other factors at play as well. For instance, the child could be genetically predisposed to cavities or have deeper grooves in their molars where food and bacteria accumulate.
Dental sealants help prevent cavities and ensure a child’s teeth stay healthy for longer.
Dental sealants are not full-proof cavity protection. If your child gets them, you’ll need to bring your child in for routine consultations so the pediatric dentist can ensure the sealant is still doing its job properly.
Sealants can chip and crack, which will allow bacteria to get through this barrier and attack the child’s tooth.
There is also a concern as to whether exposing the child to the BPA in the sealant is worth it. This material may have certain health effects.
However, it’s worth noting that the amount of BPA in dental sealants is extremely small, and the risks normally associated with BPA exposure are virtually nonexistent. In fact, some studies found that even with such sealants, there are no traces of BPA in the blood, meaning that the sealants don’t release the harmful chemical into the child’s system.
Dental sealants come with lots of pros and cons, but the only way to find out if they are the right (and safe) solution for your child is to see Dr. Matt for a short consultation.
You can request a visit to Maple Grove Pediatric Dentistry online and stop by with your little one to learn more.
Or, you can call our team at (763) 390-8575 for more information.
