Ask a Family Dentist: Are Dental Sealants Safe for Children?

If you are considering getting dental sealants for your child, you may have some health concerns. An increasing number of dentists recommend that children get this type of protection. However, you may not know what dental sealants are or why you should be concerned. Keep reading to learn more about this type of dental procedure.

What is a dental sealant?

Many parents do not know about the type of procedure used to place sealants. Other parents are concerned about what is in sealants. These are thin coatings that are placed over a child’s molars. These are primarily placed over the biting surface. That can protect the tooth from decaying. This is important because many children now suffer from dental decay.

The molars are often difficult to brush. But the sealant is either white or clear. It is made out of resin and it is liquid when applied. The dentist will use a small brush to apply it. Using a blue LED light, the dentist will bond the sealant to the tooth. This leaves a hard layer to protect the tooth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has looked at dental sealants for children. The organization found that it can reduce the risk of cavities by as much as 80%. One benefit is that the procedure is not invasive. The child will not need to have anesthesia or other numbing agents because there is no pain. There is also no drilling involved.

Is there any danger with dental sealants?

A parent’s primary goal is to protect their child. Many parents wonder if dental sealants come with any drawbacks. The good news is that there are not any risks associated with sealants. This includes the procedure itself and the resin itself. The sealant is bonded to the tooth, meaning nothing will go inside the tooth. This is a non-invasive way for parents to help protect a child’s teeth from getting cavities.

Parents are also likely to want to know more about what the sealant is made from. The resin used in them is medical grade. This is similar to a white or composite filling material used to fix cavities. However, the difference is that sealants are much more runny.

That way, when the dentist applies it, the liquid can easily fill even the tiniest grooves in the tooth. Picture white nail polish but made out of a substance for teeth. Some parents might be concerned about BPA in the sealants. The good news is that many modern sealant materials do not have any BPA in them.

Visit a dentist today for a dental sealant

If you are considering a dental sealant for your child, you can rest assured that there is minimal risk. The substance does not have any chemicals that would be harmful to your child. The procedure to place the sealants is more comfortable for the child than filling a cavity. This is a good thing because it can reduce your child’s risk of cavities by 80%.

Request an appointment here: https://drelloway.dgdevnext.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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