While a toothbrush can polish the surface of your smile and floss can get in between the gaps, it’s hard to clean those minuscule hills and valleys on the biting edges of your teeth — especially when they’re in the back of your mouth. For children, who have less experience with dental hygiene and shorter attention spans, it can be even harder to do so. Luckily, you can prevent the consequences of this challenge by having your child’s molars sealed at the dentist. Here’s a bit of background on the process and why it’s important.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are made of thin, primarily plastic material that forms an airtight, protective seal around teeth that are prone to cavities, such as the back molars. In these teeth, sealants can decrease the risk of decay by 80%. The Centers for Disease Control found that children who didn’t have their smiles sealed were three times more likely to suffer from cavities. To avoid discomfort, hassle, and the fear some children have of getting fillings, get them sealants a young age. Have the dentist seal your child’s first molars around age 6 or 7 and their second set around age 12 or 13.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Dental Sealants?

When it comes to disadvantages, the list is short. For one, dental sealants eventually wear away over time; in some cases, they may chip and require replacement. Also, there are trace amounts of BPA in the sealant solution, but it’s not nearly enough to result in adverse side effects for your child.

In addition to saving you money and time by preventing decay, the application of the sealant itself is incredibly convenient. The dentist thoroughly cleans your child’s teeth before applying a chemical primer. After rinsing this off, they apply the liquid sealant, which conforms to the irregular grooves of the molars. Then, they use a blue light to cure the sealant. This solution can be applied over minor, in-progress decay to prevent it from turning into a cavity. Best of all, sealants last for up to nine years, which is a significant period of cavity prevention.

If you believe your child could benefit from sealants, contact Beard & Holmen of Waterloo, IL. This family-oriented dentist office has 25 years of experience in the industry. As members of the Illinois State Dental Society, you can trust them to provide top-tier general, cosmetic, and advanced dentistry services, from fillings to implants. To learn more about their skills, visit the website. Call (618) 939-7181 to schedule an appointment for your little one today.