At Bloom Family Dental, our dentist in Sheboygan may recommend dental sealants as a simple yet effective treatment to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Understanding how sealants work and how they can improve your child’s oral health can help ensure their smile remains healthy for years to come.

Why Get Sealants?

Sealants are a preventative measure that helps protect the teeth, especially the back teeth (molars), from decay. Since the back teeth have deep grooves that are difficult to clean thoroughly, sealants act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and food particles from causing damage.

• Prevents decay: Sealants protect areas that are most susceptible to cavities.
• Ideal for children and teens: While sealants are most commonly applied to children, they can also benefit adults who are at risk for decay.

Sealants can prevent up to 80% of decay within the first two years. After four years, they still provide up to 50% protection from decay. Children who don’t have sealants are more than three times as likely to develop cavities than those who do.

When Should You Get Them?

The best time to apply sealants is as soon as your child’s molars emerge. Typically, the first set of molars appears around age 6, and the second set around age 12. Sealants are most effective when applied soon after these teeth come through, as this is when they are most vulnerable to decay.

• First molars at age 6: Sealants should be applied as soon as these teeth emerge.
• Second molars at age 12: Our dentist will help determine the best time to seal these teeth.

Regular dental exams with our Sheboygan dentist will help determine the optimal time for sealant application based on your child’s dental health.

What Should I Expect?

Getting sealants is a quick and easy procedure that doesn’t require much time or discomfort. The process involves:

• Cleaning: Your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned before the sealant is applied.
• Gel application: A special gel is placed on the teeth to prepare them for the sealant.
• Sealant application: Once the gel is rinsed off, the sealant is applied, and a small blue light is used to harden it in just a few moments.

This procedure is completely painless, and there is no recovery time afterward.

Are There Any Concerns?

Dental sealants are safe, with no side effects or allergic reactions in most cases. However, if your child has any allergies, be sure to discuss them with our dentist. Sealants are an excellent way to help your child maintain a healthy smile for years.

Next Steps

Sealants are durable and can last for years, but it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with our Sheboygan dentist to ensure they are still in good condition. If your child had sealants in the past and you’re unsure if they need to be reapplied, we’re happy to examine their teeth during their next visit.

For more information about dental sealants and other ways to protect your child’s smile, contact Bloom Family Dental today!