Children’s motor skills and sense of personal responsibility are only just developing. So, when they’re tasked to brush and floss their own teeth, their efforts can easily fall short. It’s not fair to expect children to take charge of their own dental care—at least not at first. This is why many family dentistries recommend giving them sealants. Sealants protect young children from tooth decay, while they’re unable to practice good dental care on their own.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are plastic coatings, which are applied to the chewing surfaces (e.g. pits and fissures) of children’s molars and set with ultraviolet light. Meant to seal out food and plaque, they usually last for about 10 years, with regular dental checkups to ensure they don’t tear.

Dental sealants are very affordable and are covered by most dental insurance policies. While it is usually children who get sealants, people of all ages can benefit from them if they struggle with dental care.

Why Do Children Need Dental Sealants?

Some of the hardest teeth to reach are in the back of the mouth. It’s especially difficult for kids to reach them, making back teeth especially prone to trapping food particles, which obviously leads to cavity formation.

This is why many family dentistries and the American Dental Association recommend that children get sealants as soon as their first adult teeth come in. By giving your kids this extra level of protection, you’ll set them up for a cavity-free future.

Looking for a family dentistry in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area that can outfit your children with sealants? Lowitz & Meier treats patients of all ages with the utmost respect and the highest standards of care. To make an appointment, give them a call at (513) 521-8900. More information about the locally run dentist office is available on their website.