Dental Sealants for Your Child: Are They Worth It?

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A child’s safety is always the top priority of every parent. However, it is still possible for them to contract diseases that affect not only their general wellness but oral health as well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the most common oral health issues encountered by children. These conditions can lead to throbbing tooth pain and discomfort, which can only be relieved by undergoing certain dental procedures.

One best way of preventing cavities from developing is by establishing good oral hygiene habits. However, a simple brushing is not enough to clean the chewing surface of the teeth. That is why we at Kiddie Cavity Care & Orthodontics encourage parents to start investing in dental sealants. These are an excellent solution in protecting the vulnerable areas of the teeth (particularly the grooves and pits of the teeth) by means of sealing out plaque and food particles.

young boy on a dental clinic


What are sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth or molars. This dental treatment is done to prevent cavities from developing for many years. These serve as protection for the deep grooves of the teeth that are difficult to clean. Once dental sealants are applied, they shield your child from 80% of cavities for two years and will continue to protect them against 50% of cavities for up to four years.

Does the process of applying dental sealants hurt?

The application of sealants is easy and painless. The process starts with a thorough cleaning of your child’s tooth. A gel is then placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. After that, their tooth is rinsed and dried. Once done, the sealant is painted on the tooth and is hardened by using a special blue light.

Will sealants make the teeth feel odd?

As mentioned, dental sealants are very thin and are used to fill the pits and grooves of the teeth. So sometimes, your child may feel the sealant with their tongue after it has been placed.

Can dental sealants be placed over cavities?

Dental sealants can be used over areas of your child’s tooth with early decay to prevent damaging it further. Since some dental sealants are clear, the dentist will monitor your child’s tooth to make sure that the sealant is doing its job.

Are there any side effects associated with dental sealants?

If your child has allergies, it is best to let the dentist know, but other than that, sealants have no known side effects.


Get added protection for your child’s teeth through the help of
Sealants in Washington, D.C! Book your appointment with Kiddie Cavity Care & Orthodontics! Our dental office is located at 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, #453 Washington, D.C. 20008.