As parents, one of our biggest concerns is ensuring our children maintain good oral health. While regular brushing and flossing are essential habits to teach from an early age, sometimes those practices aren’t enough to keep teeth fully protected from decay. This is where dental sealants come in, offering an additional layer of protection to safeguard your child’s teeth from harmful cavities and decay.

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities due to their deep grooves and pits, which can easily trap food particles and bacteria. Sealants are designed to fill in these grooves and act as a protective barrier, preventing harmful substances from making contact with the tooth enamel.

The procedure for applying a dental sealant is quick, non-invasive, and pain-free. It involves cleaning the tooth, applying a special gel to prepare the surface, and then painting the sealant onto the tooth. The sealant hardens quickly and forms a smooth, protective surface. Once applied, it is almost invisible and doesn’t alter the appearance of your child’s teeth, making it a discreet option for cavity protection.

Why are dental sealants important for children?

Children, especially those under the age of 12, are at a higher risk of developing cavities. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as:

1. Developing oral hygiene habits – While brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining healthy teeth, younger children may not yet have developed the skills to thoroughly clean all areas of their mouths. The areas at the mouth and back teeth are particularly hard to reach. These areas are often difficult to reach with a toothbrush, and food particles can become lodged in the grooves.
2. Vulnerable teeth – The back teeth, or molars, have deep pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces that are prone to collecting food, bacteria, and plaque. These grooves are often too small to be fully cleaned by a toothbrush, making them prime locations for tooth decay to begin.
3. Diet and sugary – Kids love sugary snacks and drinks, which can increase the risk of cavities. When sugar stays on the teeth for an extended period, it can break down enamel, leading to decay.

Sealants help eliminate many of these risk factors by providing a shield over the most vulnerable surfaces of the teeth. This protective layer helps to ensure that your child’s teeth stay healthier for longer, reducing the likelihood of cavities and expensive dental treatments.

How do dental sealants protect your child’s teeth?

The main role of dental sealants is to prevent cavities. Here’s a closer look at how they do that:

1. Provide a barrier to food and bacteria – The primary function of a sealant is to block out food particles, bacteria, and acids from settling in the deep grooves of your child’s back teeth. These grooves are difficult to clean, and food can get stuck, providing a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause tooth decay. By preventing this buildup, sealants keep harmful substances away from the tooth surface.
2. Long-term protection – Dental sealants create a smooth surface on the back teeth, making it easier for your child to brush their teeth properly. The smooth surface allows for better cleaning and reduces the chances of plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities.
3. Reduced risk of cavities – Research has shown that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80% in the first two years after application. Over time, this protection remains effective, with a significant reduction in the incidence of tooth decay in the areas where sealants have been applied.
4. Durability and longevity – Dental sealants can last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on your child’s oral habits and the wear and tear on the sealant. During routine dental checkups, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants to ensure they are still intact and provide any necessary touch-ups.

The benefits of dental sealants

1. Painless application – Applying dental sealants is a quick and simple procedure. It does not require drilling or anaesthesia. This means it’s a pain-free experience for your child. The process usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.
2. Cost-effective – Preventing cavities is much less expensive than treating them. Dental sealants are an affordable way to protect your child’s teeth and avoid costly dental treatments down the road, such as fillings or crowns.
3. Improved oral hygiene – Since sealants make it easier to keep teeth clean, your child’s overall oral hygiene improves. As a result, they may be less likely to develop other dental problems in the future.
4. Boosts confidence – Keeping your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free can help boost their confidence. Healthy teeth are less likely to cause pain or discomfort, allowing your child to eat, speak, and smile with ease.

Who should get dental sealants?

While dental sealants are most commonly applied to children and teenagers, adults can benefit from them as well. This is especially true if they have deep grooves in their molars or are at higher risk for cavities. Your dentist will evaluate your child’s teeth and recommend sealants if they are deemed beneficial based on their risk of decay.

Sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth once they have fully erupted, usually between the ages of 6 and 14. In some cases, if your child is particularly prone to cavities, your dentist may recommend sealants for baby teeth as well.

Final thoughts

Dental sealants are a simple yet highly effective way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and tooth decay. They act as a shield against food, bacteria, and acids that can cause damage to the vulnerable chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Nairobi Sterling Dental Clinic brings dental sealants near you and provides the perfect opportunity to protect your child’s teeth.

We are located at The Park Suites Building, in Parklands, Nairobi. Visit us today for an opportunity to consult with our dentist and learn how dental sealants can provide a safe future for your kid’s oral health. You can also book an appointment for you and your kids with our specialists, at a convenient time. At Sterling Dental Clinic, we shall make your kids smile bigger and healthier.