Benefits of Dental Sealants :

Even children who are diligent with their tooth brushing can have trouble keeping their molars clean. These teeth have deep grooves in their chewing surfaces, known as pits and fissures, that can let food and plaque accumulate. Dental sealants form a protective barrier in this area and help prevent cavities from forming, explains the ADA.

The impact of dental sealants on a child's oral health can be significant. The ADA reports that sealants can reduce the risk of molar decay by almost 80 percent. The ADA also explains that children who don't have sealants have nearly three times as many cavities as children who've received this preventative treatment.

Children can get dental sealants as soon as their first molars appear, which usually happens around age 6, according to the ADA. The procedure is simple and painless. After preparing the molars with an acidic gel, your child's dentist will paint on a sealant. They will then quickly harden the sealant with a blue light. Once the sealant has been applied, it can last for as long as several years. When your child's sealant wears off, it can be reapplied.

While some dental sealants may contain bisphenol A, rest assured that the amount released is minimal and far below dangerous levels. If your child's dentist recommends dental sealants, you can feel confident that this treatment is both safe and effective.