Your child’s dental health is important and should be taken seriously. One of the ways to ensure your child’s dental health is by sealing their molars early.

This is because the molars are located at the back of the mouth and are often difficult to reach when brushing, which make them susceptible to cavities. In this article, we will discuss why it is important to seal your child’s molars early and the benefits that come with doing so.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent decay. They form a protective barrier over the enamel of the teeth, preventing bacteria and acids from settling in the pits and fissures.

Dental sealants are commonly applied to the back teeth, particularly the molars, because they are more prone to decay than other teeth.

What are the benefits of sealing molars early?

Sealing your child’s molars early has several benefits. These include:.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Molars have deep fissures and pits on their chewing surfaces that are difficult to clean even with regular brushing and flossing. These fissures and pits provide a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to decay.

Dental sealants create a smooth surface on the molars that prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in the pits and fissures, which reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Saving Time and Money

Prevention is always better than cure. Sealing your child’s molars early can save you money and time in the long run. Tooth decay can be costly to treat, and it requires several appointments to restore the tooth to its normal function.

In contrast, sealing the molars is a quick and painless procedure that can be done in a single appointment.

Improving Oral Health

By sealing your child’s molars early, you are promoting good oral health habits and hygiene. Dental sealants are an effective preventive measure against tooth decay, which can in turn promote better general health.

Poor oral health is linked to various health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.

Reducing the Need for Fillings or Extractions

Sealing your child’s molars early can prevent the need for fillings or extractions in the future. By reducing the risk of tooth decay, you are ensuring that your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong.

Fillings and extractions can be painful and stressful, especially for young children. By preventing them from ever needing these procedures, you are improving your child’s overall wellbeing.

When Should You Consider Sealing Your Child’s Molars?

The ideal time to consider sealing your child’s molars is as soon as they start coming in, between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

This is because the molars are most vulnerable to decay during this time, and sealing them early can offer the best protection. However, even if your child’s molars have been in for a while, it is not too late to seal them. Talk to your dentist about whether it is a good idea to seal your child’s molars.

What is the Procedure Like?

Sealing your child’s molars is a simple, painless, and quick procedure. It usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

The dentist will clean the teeth thoroughly, then apply an acidic solution to roughen the surface of the molars and help the sealant adhere better. After a few seconds, the dentist will rinse off the solution, dry the teeth, and apply the sealant. The sealant is then cured with a special light to harden it, forming a protective layer over the molar.

Conclusion

Sealing your child’s molars early can prevent tooth decay, save you time and money, improve oral health, and reduce the need for future fillings or extractions. It is a simple and painless procedure that can be done in a single appointment.

Talk to your dentist to see if sealing your child’s molars is the right choice for them.