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For Parents: Dental Sealants for Kids: Protection Guide Reducing Cavity Risk
Summary
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child's teeth from cavities. They are easy to apply, painless, and can last for many years. According to AAP guidelines, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.
What Is This & Why It Matters
Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth. These teeth, called molars, are often the first permanent teeth that come in around ages 6-7. Sealants help prevent cavities by keeping out food and germs. The process is quick, painless, and usually takes about 20 minutes per tooth.
What You Should Do
- Schedule a dental appointment to discuss sealants for your child.
- Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice daily.
- Remind your child to avoid hard foods that could damage the sealants.
- Bring your child for regular dental check-ups every six months.
- Encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene habits.
- Ask the dentist about the cost, which is typically $30-50 per tooth.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not allow your child to chew on ice or hard candies.
- Avoid skipping regular dental visits.
- Don't assume sealants replace regular brushing and flossing.
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste on sealant-treated teeth.
- Avoid delaying treatment if a sealant comes off.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Smooth feeling on the chewing surfaces of treated teeth.
- Mild taste from the materials used in the procedure.
- No pain during or after application.
- Sealant surface may feel slightly different initially.
- Sealants will be invisible when looking at the teeth.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Sealant comes off completely or partially.
- Your child feels pain in the sealed tooth area.
- Swelling or redness around the gums near sealed teeth.
- Sealant cracks or chips within the first few months.
- Your child develops bad breath or unusual taste in their mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are typically applied when a child's first permanent molars come in, around ages 6-7.
Is getting sealants painful?
No, applying dental sealants is a painless procedure.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last between 5 to 10 years with proper care.
How much do dental sealants cost?
The cost of dental sealants typically ranges from $30 to $50 per tooth.
Can my child eat normally after getting sealants?
Yes, but it's best to avoid hard foods that might damage the sealants.
How do I care for my child's sealed teeth?
Have your child brush and floss regularly and attend dental check-ups every six months.
What if a sealant falls off?
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to have it replaced.