Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

Aren’t sure if your child needs dental sealants? You’ve come to the right place! We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to know what’s best for your child's oral health. The good news is that our dentist in South Bend, IN, has experience treating patients of all ages. As such, he’ll be able to make the proper recommendations to protect your child’s dental health.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the dental sealants procedure.

Prevent Childhood Cavities

Cavities are the most common chronic disease affecting American children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, about 52% of children have had a cavity in a baby tooth by age 8.

Since children have a higher risk of cavities, we often recommend dental sealants as a possible solution. While tooth sealants don’t replace the need for an oral hygiene routine, they can help reduce your child’s risk of dental decay.

As the name suggests, sealants work by sealing the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. These molars often have deep grooves and divots where plaque can accumulate. Dental sealants act like a raincoat, shielding your child’s teeth from bacteria and food particles.

Avoid Pediatric Dental Emergencies

There’s never a good time to experience a toothache. Dental emergencies are not only inconvenient, but can be painful and expensive. For this reason, many of the families we work with are invested in preventive dental care. By combining dental sealant treatment with good oral hygiene at home, many parents are able to greatly reduce their children’s risk of cavities.

Most Insurances Cover Dental Sealants

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of dental sealants for children up to a certain age. To avoid any surprises, we recommend checking your dental insurance policy before your child’s next appointment with Select Dental Associates. That way, you’ll know whether the procedure is covered under your plan or if you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

Sealants are Fast and Painless

The dental sealants procedure is fast and painless. Due to the simplicity of the procedure, we may even be able to fit it into your child’s next teeth cleaning appointment.

It’s also worth mentioning that the sealants procedure is noninvasive. This means that we won’t have to remove any of your child’s enamel to place the sealants. Instead, we paint the sealants onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth.

The CDC reports that tooth sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years. Our South Bend dentist can also touch up your child’s dental sealants as needed during their routine checkups.

Create Positive Experiences at the Dentist

Dental sealants treatment is fast, painless, and easy. Not to mention, it reduces your child’s risk of needing fillings or other restorative care. By helping your child maintain a healthy smile, you’re also helping them form positive memories of sitting in the dentist’s chair. This helps lower their risk of dental anxiety later in life, empowering them to take control of their oral health and wellness.

Request Dental Sealants for Kids

Dr. Michael Gasko is proud to serve families as a dentist in South Bend, IN. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help your child maintain a healthy smile. To schedule an appointment for your child, please call Select Dental Associates at (574) 232-8888. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.