Should I seal my kids molars?

Many dentists recommend children get sealants on their teeth as soon as their permanent molars arrive to prevent decay from the beginning. Applying dental sealants has become the standard of care among most pediatric dentists.

Is sealant safe for children’s teeth?

Many parents naturally wonder whether dental sealants are actually safe for their children. The American Dental Association (ADA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both determined that dental sealants are safe for children and adults.

What is a sealant for Kids teeth?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) can prevent cavities (tooth decay) for many years. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food.

Can you get sealants on baby teeth?

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of back teeth, helping to avoid cavities. Many parents might think sealants are only for big teeth, but baby teeth can benefit from sealants, too!

How long do teeth sealants last?

How long will sealants last? Sealants have shown to still work 9 years after placement. However, sometimes they do fall off, so they should be checked at regular dental appointments. If a tooth loses a sealant, the protective shield is gone and the tooth can get a cavity.

Is sealing teeth bad?

They are not durable – in 5 years or less, you have to replace them. They can seal in dental decay – if your teeth are not properly examined, sealants can seal in acids in a decayed tooth, resulting in more harm than good. They cannot be applied over dental fillings or decayed teeth.

Do sealants cause cavities?

In plain terms: If sealants are not properly placed, they can actually cause cavities by either creating ledges to catch plaque and food on or by sealing in bacteria and undetected decay to fester and grow underneath the material.

Does a sealant hurt?

Will it hurt to get a sealant? Getting a sealant is easy and does not hurt. The tooth is cleaned and a gel may be placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then rinsed and dried.

Can sealants cause cavities?

Can sealants fall out?

Sealants have shown to still work 9 years after placement. However, sometimes they do fall off, so they should be checked at regular dental appointments. If a tooth loses a sealant, the protective shield is gone and the tooth can get a cavity. Missing sealants are easy to replace.

When do you need sealants on your molars?

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars…

When to put dental sealants on baby teeth?

Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the dental sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child’s baby teeth have…

How many children have permanent molars in Colorado?

Data collected by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and Delta Dental of Colorado show that in State Fiscal Year 2015-2016, only 18.1% [11] of Medicaid eligible children and 11.2% [12] of Colorado CHIP (CHP+) eligible children 6 to 9 years of age, have received at least one permanent molar sealant.

When is the best time to seal your teeth?

Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run.