Dental Sealants – Benefits for Children

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment that consists of a protective layer applied over the biting surfaces of your teeth. The sealants are made from a thin, plastic material that is painted over the chewing surfaces of your teeth to prevent tooth decay. The plastic material used is white or clear so that it can blend with the natural colour of your teeth. Normally, these sealants are mostly placed on the premolars and the molars. This is because they are the teeth that have deeper grooves and depressions which are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of the bacteria. The coating will naturally bond with the teeth’ enamel to create a protective layer.
The main idea behind dental sealants is that the plastic protective layer will cover the enamel so that the sugars, acids and bacteria cannot access it. They act as physical barriers between the bacteria and the vulnerable part of the teeth thus preventing cavities.

What are Dental Sealants Made of?

As already mentioned above, dental sealants are made of plastic. However, there are two different types of sealant materials that a dentist can use. The first type is a glass ionomer sealant. Once the dentist sets this type of sealant, it undergoes an acid-based reaction. This reaction makes them stiffer and likely to shrink once they are set. The other type is the composite resin. Once the composite resin is set, it undergoes through the process of polymerization due to a dental curing light. They release less fluoride and have higher tensile strength. The types of sealant to be placed on you will depend on your preference and budget. However, your dentist will be in a position to advise you about the best option depending on your specific needs.

Who Needs to Have Dental Sealants?

Generally, dental sealants are meant for children. They are applied as soon as the child’s permanent teeth at the back of the mouth are fully grown.This is to protect the deep grooves and depressions found on the chewing surfaces of the teeth before decay sets in. Preventing a child’s molars from a young age reduces the chances of cavities and the possibilities of any further dental complications later on in life.
While dental sealants are primarily meant for children, some adults may need to have the procedure done on them as well. This includes those who did not have the procedure while they were young. The procedure will still be the same despite the patient’s age. The only difference is the amount of damage that the tooth has undergone before the procedure takes place.

Can Dental Sealants Be Applied if the Child Already Have Cavities?

The dentist can apply sealants over small cavities and prevent them from growing any further. Cavities need bacteria to grow and by creating a barrier between them will stop the cavities from spreading. Some dentists will apply a clear sealant so that they can be able to assess the existing cavity.

Dental Sealant Application Procedure

Two-Handed Placement vs. Four-Handed Placement

Two-handed sealant placement is where only one dentist places the sealants. Four-handed dental sealant placement is where the dentist places the sealants with the help of another person. Below is a detailed explanation of the steps in the sealant application procedure.

Step 1: Clean the tooth

Your dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth surface, otherwise, if the tooth is not properly cleaned the sealant cannot bond to it as expected. The dentist will then put a small brush onto the dental drill. And as the drill rotates the small brush, he or she will scrub the surface of the tooth and clean out the tooth’s grooves. In case the groove of the tooth still appears to harbour food remains after using the brush, your dentist may consider taking extra steps. The steps include the air-abrasion technique and enameloplasty. Air-abrasion method is a technique involving the use of a mini sandblaster on the tooth. The machine used in cleaning out the grooves makes a blowing noise, and the process can be a little messy but painless. With enameloplastythe dental drill is used to buff off any lingering debris. No anaesthesia is needed,and the amount of trimming done is minimal.

Step 2: Tooth Isolation

The most crucial step in dental sealant application process is the isolation of the tooth surfaces to prevent saliva contamination. Contamination by the saliva following acid etching weakens the bond between the enamel and sealant; it also reduces the chances of retention. Here are steps to follow to achieve the best isolation:
– Place the patient’s head with the chin raised a bit, tilting away from the teeth that are supposed to be sealed.
– Put some cotton lingually and buccally to the mandibular teeth that are supposed to be sealed. The sealant team may also use cotton roll holders to isolate half of the mouth.
– Position a buccal dry angle-type shield to cover the parotid duct openings.
– Using a right angle, bend a dry angle-type shield, then position the shield between the lingual cotton roll and the tongue, and firmly position it in place to isolate the tongue.
– When the barriers get saturated, replace them with new ones without contaminating the etched surfaces with saliva.

Step 3: Acid Etching

After the tooth has been cleaned, some etching gel will be spreadover the area where the sealant is to be applied. Once the gel has been well spread, the dentist will let the gel sit for 20-60 seconds then wash it off. The etching gel makes the tooth’s surface ready so that the sealant can bond to it. Tooth etchants contain phosphoric acid. The acidic nature of the etchant is an added advantage because the acids kill the bacteria that harbour at the bottom of the grooves.

Step 4: Rinsing and Drying

Using a high volume oral evacuation system, thoroughly rinse off all etchant from the tooth surfaces for at least 10 to 15 seconds. This will help to keep the teeth free from the saliva. Dry the teeth until the etched enamel looks chalky or frosty. If by any chance the teeth do not appear chalky or frosty,or they become contaminated with saliva at any time, re-etch them for 10 to 20 seconds, then rinse and dry.

Step 5: Sealant Application

After the tooth has been dried, the sealant will then be placed into the grooves of the tooth. This may be doneby use of a mini syringe or a small brush. The fluid nature of the sealant will allow it to get deep into each groove’s crannies and nooks. It is also important to note that the sealant is not used to cover the whole chewing surface of the tooth. Instead, it is used to fill in those areas that involve fissures and pits which have the potential of trapping and retaining debris.

Step 6: Curing

Once the liquid sealant has been properly positioned, the dentist will set it by use of a curing light. A curing light is a dental flashlight that gives out the blue light. The blue light is critical as the sealants are formulated with a catalyst that is triggered by the light. Therefore, it means that the sealing product will remain in the fluid state for as long as the dentist wants it to. However, once it has been well positioned, it can be set immediately by simply shining a curing light on it.

Benefits of Dental Sealants to Children

Tooth decay is very rampant in children especially the teens. Dental sealants protect the tooth from keeping the germs and bacteria from accessing the enamel. Studies have it that dental sealants lower the risk of tooth decay to the permanent teeth by 76%. Here are some of the benefits of dental sealants for children.

– Prevents Bacterial Acids from Causing Damage

As soon as your child starts taking real meals, the acidity of the saliva changes making the enamel softer. Unfortunately, softer enamel gives way for bacteria found in the mouth to attack. As bacteria multiply in the mouth due to the intake of sugary foods and drinks, they create more acids that attack the enamel. Over time, the areas of the enamel that have been already attacked will host more bacteria thus accelerating the cavity formation process. Eventually, the cavities will become painful. If the cavities remain untreated, they can result in more serious dental complications including abscesses and tooth decay. Such conditions will comprise your child’s oral and overall health.
Fortunately, dental sealants are built in a way that they can protect the tooth enamel from bacteria damage. Dental sealants can last for years while at the same time significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. The process of application is painless and is done after a thorough cleaning by the dentist.

– Improves Brushing Efficacy

Dental sealants are designed in a way that they help in filling the small pits and fissures that cover the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This makes it easier for the child to brush and floss their teeth. Instead of having to worry about scrubbing grime on the pitted biting surfaces and between the small gaps, all your kid need to do is brush and floss in the normal way. It is quite difficult for plaque and tartar to stick on the surfaces of sealants. This makes it difficult for your child’s teeth to discolour. With dental sealants, your child can maintain their confidence and develop their brushing and flossing skills while they slowly master the art of proper daily hygiene.

– Maintain Your Child’s Normal Daily Schedule

Protecting your child’s teeth from developing cavities may seem like reason enough to consider dental sealants. However, when you consider factors such as the difficulties involved in treating dental decay, you will understand how important this preventive treatment is. When you protect your child’s teeth from developing tooth decay, you will be able to avoid hassles such as missed school, poor grades and the stress involved. Since dental decay is associated with the great amount of pain, applying dental sealants will help maintain your child’s happiness, sleep routine and their physical and emotional health.

– Reduces the Risk of Costly Dental Procedures

Studies have shown that when a cavity is detected during its initial stages, a well-placed dental sealant can prevent it from spreading. This is an extremely cost-effective preventive measure. Untreated tooth decay can demand other complicated dental procedures such as root canal or dental implants.
– Improve the Child’s Overall Attitude Towards the Dentist
Since most children are nervous about visiting the dentist, taking your child to have dental sealants will improve their attitude towards the dentist. Children are always nervous about the dental drills and anaesthetics found in the dentist office. Dental sealant process is not painful and may help in reducing anxiety and the overall attitude towards the dentist.

– Allows Your Child to Enjoy a Healthy Mouth

Tooth decay development can lead to several oral complication. When a tooth decay is left unattended, it will grow and reach the inner part of the tooth. This will lead to sensitivity, pain and eventually infection. Even after treating such condition, the strength of the affected tooth will remain compromised and may require further treatment later in life. Dental sealants have a protective layer that significantly reduces the risk of infection and any subsequent oral problems.

– Saves Time

Visiting the dentist due to a sensitive or aching tooth, having a cavity filled to treat a decayed tooth or getting a tooth extracted are all time consumingdental procedures. You can save time by using dental sealants to avoid all these dental problems.

Importance of maintaining your child’s oral hygiene

Your child’s oral health and teeth are important for his or her overall body health. As soon as your child is born, it is important to know about the dental care your child needs to maintain his or her oral health. Paediatric dentists in Australia, report that the number of patients suffering from tooth decay has been most significant among children. This is enough proof showing that parents lack the basic understanding of the proper dental care that their children need in their early age. Here are some of the benefits of maintaining your child’s milk teeth.

– Allow for proper chewing and promote jaw development

Food that has been chewed properly is easier to digest. Swallowing food that has not been completely chewed can lengthen the digestion time. The chewing process is also considered as an exercise for the jaw and facial muscles; it helps them to develop and form.

– Diet and nutrition

A child with healthy baby teeth is able to eat foods thatare needed for healthy growth and development. A child with damaged, missing, painful or weak teeth will not be able to bite or chew foods such as vegetables and fruits, which are often hard. Therefore, the child may have the difficulty of getting enough food for their growing bodies. Aside from all that, chewing with baby teeth helps in proper development of the jaw muscles and promotes the jaw strength which they will rely on for the rest of their lives. Milk teeth play a major role in keeping your child healthy as well as promoting the growth and development of their mouth.

– Assist in speech development

Learning to speak correctly is important for social, emotional and cognitive development. Your child’s teeth position affects the tongue posture. When your child has misshaped or missing teeth due to decay, he or she can develop tongue thrusting leading to a speech impediment.

– Prevention of abnormal growth

Milk teeth are required to hold the spaces open for the permanent teeth so that they can come in when they are fully developed and ready to erupt. This helps in preventing abnormal occlusion. Premature extraction of milk teeth may lead to the eruption of permanent teeth in the wrong positions. Hence, inappropriate positioning of the teeth can lead to chewing difficulties, crooked teeth, TMJ problems, facial asymmetries and teeth decay.

– Good dental hygiene habits need to be instilled early

Good oral habits instilled early in life are good indicators of proper oral hygiene in the future. It is essential that you instil the habit of brushing and flossing to your child as something you do every morning and night. Supervise your child’s brushing and always ensure that they are doing it properly every time.

– Prevention of fear of the dentist

Children with bad conditioned milk teeth have to visit the dentist often. At some stage, the only options for treatment left are either teeth extraction or root canal treatment which are both painful. This will end up giving your child a lifelong fear of dentists and dental treatment. Therefore, it is important that you take good care of your child’s milk teeth to prevent damage to the permanent teeth when they erupt. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist immediately the first tooth erupts and make it a habit to visit the dentist at least twice annually.

How Long Does Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants have a long lifespan. They can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. The material used to make them can withstand every day chewing habits. However, for it to last that long you need to schedule regular visits to your dentist for check-ups. During the visits, your dentist will examine any signs of wear and tear. Your dentist will reapply it if he deems it fit.

What Possible Complications can arise with Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants can wear over time or even come off. The main reason why dental sealants come off is a failure of the dentist to isolate saliva and the tooth during the application process completely. For a dental sealant to be successful and last for a longer time, the dentist needs to isolate the saliva and the teeth completely. However, this is easier said than done with the minimal time and the small mouth of the child. That is why it is important to use experienced dentist while applying the sealant. If the sealant comes off, there are no any dangers, the tooth will simply go back to its original state,and another sealant can be applied. One danger that may be associated with sealants is if one side of the sealant comes off and the other side is still attached to the tooth. However, with an experienced dentist, the occurrence of such things are very minimal.

Bottom Line

Tooth decay has for decades remained to be a serious dental concern not only to dentists but parents as well. The baby teeth not only enables the child to speak, eat and smile but also reserves space for healthy adult teeth. Child tooth decay has lasting effects on the oral health of a child. That’s why it’s important for parents to consider using dental sealants. Dental sealants are very effective when it comes to protecting children teeth. They have been around for decades,but parents are still reluctant to use them on their children. This is mainly because of the scanty information they have about them.
Take a step as a parent and safeguard that beautiful smile of your child in future and apply dental sealants on your child. Visit your dentist for more information.