Who Needs Dental Sealants?

In 1967, Dr. Michael Buonocore and a team at Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York, published a paper about a unique type of dental treatment he developed. Instead of treating cavities retroactively, after they’d already weakened teeth, the aim was to prevent their development.

Dr. Buonocore’s research led to a breakthrough in preventive dentistry. By brushing resin or glass polymers onto molars, dentists reduce the risk that those teeth will develop cavities.

Research shows that between ages 6-11, children who don’t have dental sealants are three times as likely to develop cavities in their molars, compared with children who did receive sealants. Sealants are a cost-effective way to save your child the pain and discomfort of cavities and fillings, as well as save money on dental procedures.

At Miracle Smile Dental, our expert dentist, Nisha Modi, DMD, offers dental sealants to all ages at our Aubrey, Texas, office. To remain effective, sealants must be reapplied every five years or so.

Who needs dental sealants? The answer may surprise you.

Children as young as six

As soon as your child’s molars erupt, they’re at risk for cavities. Molars are the large teeth in the back of your mouth with chewing surfaces of hills and valleys. Molars are more susceptible to cavities than biting teeth are.

Most children get their first set of permanent molars at around age six. These don’t displace baby teeth; they grow behind them. By age 12, their second set of molars push away baby molars. 

To prevent cavities in children’s molars, the first set of molars should be treated at around age 6 or 7, whenever they erupt. You can also treat the remaining baby molars to prevent them from cavities and decay.

Once your child’s permanent set of second molars erupts, they should be treated, too. Repeat sealants every five years.

Adults with healthy teeth

There’s no reason why sealants are for children only. Adults develop cavities, too.

However, you may not be able to treat all of your teeth. Teeth that have fillings can’t receive sealants. If you have other oral health issues, your dentist must resolve them before protecting your teeth with sealants.

Sealants are safe

Sealants are made of plant or synthetic resins. Or, they can be made with glass ionomers, which are glass powders mixed with a water-soluble acid. The glass sealant is easier to apply because the teeth don’t have to be dry. 

Typically, resin sealants last longer. However, glass sealants release fluoride, a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and adds extra protection against cavities.

You may ask for a bisphenol A (BPA)-free sealant. However, even sealants containing BPA have only minute amounts (i.e., 0.09 nanograms). A store receipt or most sunscreens contain more BPA than sealants.

You still need to brush

No advances in dental technology have thus far eliminated the need for good oral health practices, including sealants. Even if you regularly replace your sealants, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist at least twice a year.

Your teeth are constantly bombarded by the sugars, acids, and bacteria that collect in your mouth whenever you eat. You must thoroughly brush away food particles and plaque, a sticky film that coats your teeth after eating, to keep your teeth safe from cavities.

Nevertheless, sealants give you an extra layer of protection. They may be helpful if you or your child is prone to cavities, or if cavities run in your family.

To book a sealant consultation and treatment for yourself or your child, call us today at 469-765-3567, or use our convenient online scheduling tool.