At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, Dr. Bosede Adeniji and our caring pediatric dentistry specialists give kids and parents the tools they need to prevent and manage tooth decay.
Dental sealants are a key part of cavity prevention, especially for younger kids and teens. According to the American Dental Association, nearly half of children have dental sealants on at least one molar by age 15. Read on to learn how sealants can benefit your child.
Dental sealants are thin, clear or tooth colored resin coatings that Dr. Adeniji paints onto the chewing surfaces of the molars. Many parents ask why sealants are mainly for molars. It’s because these teeth naturally have deep pits, fissures, and grooves that trap food particles and plaque.
The more complex anatomy also means that molars are more challenging to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, especially for kids who are still learning how to take care of their teeth. When a toothbrush doesn't reach all parts of the molars, bacteria accumulate and produce acids that break down enamel, leading to cavities.
Dr. Adeniji uses sealants that flow into the tooth crevices and grooves. She uses a special curing light to harden the sealant into place. The sealants leave a strong barrier between your child's teeth and bacteria.
As you might guess from the name, sealants essentially seal off the most vulnerable parts of the teeth.
Sealants provide the greatest benefit when placed as soon as permanent molars fully erupt. The first set of adult molars typically appear around the age of 6 or 7. The second set usually comes in around the age of 12.
Applying sealants at these key stages can prevent 8 in 10 cavities in the molars over a two-year period. Even after the peak protection period passes, sealants continue protecting the tooth for as long as five years. Because molars are the site of 90% of all cavities in kids, sealants can do a lot of work to keep your child cavity-free.
Planning sealants around molar eruption helps preserve your child’s natural tooth structure and can greatly reduce or eliminate the need for fillings, pulpotomy, crowns, or more invasive procedures later in life.
Sealants can also significantly lower the risk of premature tooth loss, which may, in turn, help avoid the need for complex orthodontics later. Maintaining the structure of permanent molars also supports proper chewing function and jaw development over time.
Dr. Adeniji's approach focuses on helping children remain comfortable throughout the process while ensuring that every sealant is placed accurately and effectively. She has extensive
training in caring for children with anxiety and special dental needs, and our team always ensures a comfortable, easy dental care experience for your child.
Dental sealants are a painless, quick, and easy way to avoid many dental problems as your child grows. Call our office at 301-345-2881 to schedule your appointment.
