When you are looking for ways to reduce the chances of cavities for your children, you will have several options. The more common options to prevent cavities are brushing and flossing. There are other options such as dental sealants that can help as well. Here are a few things to know about dental sealants for children and why parents should consider them as a way to help reduce cavities and tooth decay.

Attaching Dental Sealants

The first thing you should know, as a parent, about dental sealants is how they are placed on the teeth. Dental sealants are small and thin plastic coverings. They are placed on teeth and between teeth as a thin coating that adheres to the tooth directly. This sealant is designed to cover areas that are difficult for children to brush or floss. This means that the areas they may miss during normal brushing now have an increased level of protection against the food and sugars that can cause decay.

Placement Timing

The dental sealant can be used on children five and up. It needs to be put on after the first permanent teeth start to come in following the loss of baby teeth. You will need to have the sealant replaced when molar comes in. Keep in mind, if you did not have the dental sealant placed by a pediatric dentist when the permanent teeth started to appear, you can still have it done. If your child is in their early teens and is still eligible for the sealant, your dentist can help you with placement timing and tell you what to expect.

Materials Used

A concern for many parents is the material a dental sealant is made of. When some parents hear that a dental sealant is plastic, they might be concerned that there is BPA in the plastic. However, dental sealants are usually made from BPA-free plastic. This means there are no harmful chemicals that will possibly be released into your child's mouth when the sealant is on the teeth. If you are still concerned, ask your children's dentistry clinic or your dentist to show you the BPA-free label on the sealant packaging. 

If you feel that dental sealants may be ideal for your child, contact a children's dentistry service in your area. The professionals can offer you a consultation to discuss this option for your children. They can also answer questions you may have as well.

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