Why Kids in Bellmead May Benefit From Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are placed on children’s teeth, especially their permanent molars. When you take a close look at these back teeth, you’ll see that they have tiny grooves and fissures on the biting surface. These grooves can trap food particles and plaque, making them harder to clean thoroughly.

These hard-to-reach areas are not so easy to clean either, especially for children who might still be learning how to brush the right way. Plaque builds up in these spots, and eventually, a cavity may form.

Sealants prevent this from happening. They “seal” these areas, so food debris and bacteria won’t accumulate inside. They’re like a shield for your child’s teeth, protecting them against decay while your child goes on about their daily activities.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that the main biting teeth, which are the first and second permanent molars, be sealed. Most kids develop their first set of permanent molars around the age of 6 or 7.

At this age, we recommend that parents in Bellmead bring their child to our dental office for this simple preventive procedure. It’s quick and painless.

The next set usually comes in around the age of 11 to 13 years. We may recommend sealing deep grooves on other teeth as well that are prone to decay.

Yes, sealants are completely safe. Major organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) support their use.

Some parents worry because of a chemical called BPA (bisphenol A) in sealants. But it’s not something to be concerned about. The traces of BPA are extremely low and unlikely to cause any harm to kids.

Sealant placement generally does not require drilling or injections. The tooth is cleaned and dried, the surface is prepared so the sealant can bond, and the material is then applied and cured with a dental light.

Absolutely! Sealants are not only for kids. This easy preventive measure works just as well for grownups with cavity-prone teeth. Our Bellmead dentist carefully checks your teeth during a 6-month exam and recommends which ones need to be sealed.