Dental Sealing for Children

Dental sealing is a minimally invasive, safe, and simple method of preventing dental cavities, especially in children. It is important to note that sealing the teeth does not completely eliminate the appearance of cavities, but it significantly reduces the risk.

Dental sealing is achieved by applying a very thin layer of fluid composite, called dental sealant, on the chewing surface of the teeth in grooves and pits, as well as on lingual and vestibular surfaces. The dental sealant remains as a thin layer resembling the tooth color and acts as a barrier against pathogens that can lead to the formation of dental caries.

Why opt for dental sealing for your child?

The deep grooves of newly erupted teeth, especially when compared to the smooth and regular surfaces of tooth enamel, tend to accumulate food debris more rapidly and in larger quantities. Additionally, these grooves are more challenging to clean through regular tooth brushing.

Advantages of dental sealing:

  • prevents the occurrence of cavities
  • the procedure is painless for the child
  • strengthens the tooth
  • improves dental hygiene
  • facilitates easier removal of bacteria
  • durable over time and cost-effective

Another advantage, in addition to those listed, is that the applied sealant thickens the enamel wall in that area, making it more difficult for bacteria to access the dentin. This is not the case with teeth with deep grooves, where the enamel is thin.

When should dental sealing be applied?

Dental sealing is recommended for children aged between 6 and 12, especially on permanent molars, which are most susceptible to dental cavities.

Sealants should be applied as soon as possible, ideally in the first year after the eruption of the permanent tooth, so that dental cavities do not have time to form. Additionally, even in cases of incipient signs of dental cavities, molars can still be sealed, provided that any demineralization is addressed beforehand. This decision is made by the dentist on a case-to-case basis.

Remember that your child, just like yourself, needs biannual dental check-ups so that the dentist can assess the oral health of the child.