Reasons a Dentist Would Suggest Dental Sealants for a Child

Are you considering dental sealants for your child? Read on to learn about this method of cavity prevention. Dentists recommend dental sealants for children. Specifically, a dentist may recommend dental sealants for kids with a history of cavities or at a higher risk of developing cavities.

When a dentist would recommend dental sealants for a child

The focus of general dentistry is to prevent the need for restorative care through regular dental cleanings, good at-home oral hygiene practices, and preventive treatments. A dentist may recommend dental sealants for children more vulnerable to dental cavities, especially on the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars.

A history of dental cavities

Children who have developed dental cavities in the past may have an increased risk of developing cavities in the future. Therefore, many pediatric dentists recommend that children get dental sealants to prevent decay in the most vulnerable areas of teeth, which are the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars.

A higher risk of dental cavities

Cavities tend to be more frequent in children. Also, certain health conditions, lifestyle factors, and dietary factors can increase the risk of dental cavities. For example, children with type 1 diabetes may be at an increased risk of cavities if they do not properly manage their blood sugar levels. In addition, cavities are more frequent in children who consume a lot of sugar and other carbohydrates. Therefore, while a dentist will always recommend good oral hygiene, limiting sugar, and managing diabetes to prevent cavities, they will also recommend dental sealants.

Children with deep groves in molars

A leading reason sealants are recommended for children is the presence of deep pits and fissures on the biting surfaces of the molars. These deep grooves, combined with the fact that it can take practice for a child to develop thorough oral hygiene habits, help make them more susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants keep plaque and bacteria out of these pits and fissures, adding a much-needed extra line of defense against tooth decay.

Suggested age range for dental sealants

Dental sealants are recommended for children between the ages of six and 14, an age range during which cavities are more common. Dental sealants for children can help reduce the risk of issues with primary teeth and help the development of permanent teeth in younger children and teenagers.