Is There an Age That Dental Sealants Are Most Effective?

Dental sealants are an invaluable part of preventative dental treatment. Sealants can help ensure that the teeth grow strong and are free of serious dental issues for children. Is a dental sealant more effective for one age group, or does the treatment work equally well for patients of all ages? Read on to learn more about the uses and effectiveness of the treatment.

How a dentist applies dental sealants

A dental sealant is a liquid material whose main ingredient is composite resin, a compound that shares a few qualities with plastic. Dental sealants can be tooth-colored or transparent, depending on their chemical makeup. This is what to expect when a dentist applies sealant to one or more teeth:

• Step one: The dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth to remove plaque buildup.
• Step two: The dentist dries the target teeth, isolates them from saliva, and applies an acidic gel to roughen the enamel gently.
• Step three: The gel stays in place for a few minutes, after which the dentist washes it off.
• Step four: The dentist uses a brush to apply a coat of dental sealant and hardens it with a curing light.

When the resin hardens, it bonds with the enamel and forms a barrier that protects the tooth from potentially harmful elements in the mouth. This procedure is painless, and it typically only takes 15 minutes.

Dental sealant is effective for children at certain ages

A pediatric dentist will recommend dental sealants for children when their permanent molars come in. The first set of molars usually erupts between the ages of five and seven. A dentist will recommend dental sealant at this young age for two reasons.

First, the sealant prevents plaque and food particles from nestling in the grooves and pits of the back teeth. In this way, the coating smooths the molars' biting surfaces, making them easier for the child to clean. This physical barrier helps prevent bacteria and food debris from causing cavities and other dental issues.

Second, the treatment helps allow young children's teeth to grow without frequent oral health concerns. Dentists will recommend another application of dental sealant between ages ten and 12 when the second set of molars comes in. Sealants are most effective for children because they aid the growth of healthy teeth throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Dental sealant for tooth sensitivity

Sensitive teeth result from receding gums, thinning enamel, tiny cavities, injury, and chronic issues like teeth grinding. These causes of tooth sensitivity can happen at any age, but they are more common in adults. Dental sealants to treat sensitive teeth are a corrective measure whose effects can last a while. The sealant forms a protective layer that prevents heat, cold, sugar, and corrosive substances from reaching the tooth.