Are Dental Sealants for Children a Safe Option?

If your child is prone to getting cavities, the doctors at Pediatric Dental World may recommend dental sealants in addition to proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups. The sealants can add an extra layer of protection and help their teeth better fight bacteria and decay. 

But, how do dental sealants work? And are they safe for your little one?

Keep reading to learn more. 
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How Dental Sealants Work 

Dental sealants are a type of liquid composite resin that is applied to your child's teeth. Their role is to form a protective shield between the tooth enamel and cavity-causing bacteria. And, because the sealant reaches every nook and cranny of the teeth, their oral health is better protected against sugar, acids, and food particles. 
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But Are They Safe? 

The available data and the research we have so far show that dental sealants are safe for use in children. Even official organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support dental sealants as an effective approach to preventing tooth decay in children. Provided they are applied by a skilled dental practitioner, dental sealants are a secure and efficient method of protecting children's teeth against cavities.
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Why Should You Consider Dental Sealants

Here are some of the advantages that dental sealants can offer: 

• Tooth Decay Prevention: When combined with other preventive methods, such as good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental sealants can help prevent cavities, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth. Research shows that the risk of tooth decay in children can be diminished by up to 80% with the help of sealants.

• Cost-Effective: Prevention is cheaper than restorative treatment. As such, dental sealants are cheaper than fillings, crowns, or other dental procedures.

• Non-invasive Procedure: The dentist applies the resin on the child's teeth and then uses a UV light to harden it. This makes the entire procedure pain and hassle-free. 

• Long Lasting: Dental sealants can last for several years without requiring reapplication. However, frequent dental visits are crucial to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of sealants.
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Are There Any Risks? 

One of the problems a lot of parents raise is the potential exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA). Dental sealants might contain minuscule amounts of BPA, but studies have proven that BPA exposure from dental sealants is considerably lower than than the amount found in the food we consume every day. 

That said, it's important to know that some people may have an allergic response to the materials in dental sealants. Fortunately, these reactions are uncommon, and dentists can often use alternative materials for those with known allergies.
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Curious About Dental Sealants? Get in Touch! 

Do you want to learn more about dental sealants and find out if they are an option for your child? The team at Pediatric Dental World can answer all your questions and better explain how the sealants work. 

Contact us now to request an appointment with one of our doctors.