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Did you know that tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the most common chronic disease in children? Yup, it’s five times more common than even asthma. Even though tooth decay is so prevalent among growing smiles, it is, fortunately, preventable. While at-home brushing and flossing can go a long way toward avoiding cavities, our dentists can offer an extra level of protection – dental sealants in Grand Prairie. This safe and easy treatment can protect your little one’s vulnerable smile from cavities for years to come. Call our team at Real Dental today to learn more and schedule your child’s next appointment!
Kids are particularly susceptible to tooth decay for a few reasons. Not only are their teeth subjected to onslaughts of sugar in many popular snacks and beverages that are marketed to children, but their tooth enamel is also weaker than that of adults. Plus, they might have trouble reaching their toothbrush and floss all the way into the back of their mouth to clean their molars.
That’s where dental sealants come in. This plastic-like, resin-based coating can be painted over the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. Once the sealants have been hardened, they essentially become an invisible shield against bacteria, plaque, and acids that would otherwise contribute to cavities.
According to the American Dental Association, kids should get dental sealants between the ages of five and 14. This is the age when children are at the highest risk of developing tooth decay.
When you bring your little one in for their routine checkup and cleaning, our dentists will closely monitor the strength and overall health of their pearly whites. Usually, dental sealants are recommended once the first permanent molars erupt, between ages five and seven. We may need to apply another set of sealants between the ages of 11 and 14, when their second set of permanent molars comes in.
Placing dental sealants is a fast treatment that can be performed at the end of your child’s checkup. First, we’ll thoroughly yet gently clean their teeth to remove any lingering particles. The sealant material is then painted onto the biting surfaces of their back teeth. Once all of the grooves have been covered, we shine a special ultraviolet curing light onto the teeth to harden the sealants. The resin bonds to the enamel, forming a protective barrier.
Dental sealants are a proven safe and effective way of reducing your child’s risk of getting cavities. Every dental insurance policy differs, but most of them cover sealants when applied early in life. After all, sealants are considered a preventive service, which are typically covered at 80% to 100%. At Real Dental, we welcome virtually all PPO dental insurance plans and will gladly review your plan to help you make the most of your benefits while protecting your little one’s smile!
