How Long Do Dental Sealants Last for Children?
Dental sealants work like a superhero shield that parents can give their children to protect their teeth from cavities. These sealants create a strong, invisible layer over the chewing surfaces of teeth where cavities often form. By covering these spots, sealants help prevent tooth decay and make brushing and flossing easier and more effective. This quick, painless treatment can make a big difference in your child’s dental health, leading to fewer cavities, fewer dental visits, and a healthier smile. It’s a smart and easy way for parents to protect their child’s teeth.
When Should Children Get Sealants?
Kids should get dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars and premolars come in, usually between the ages of 6 and 14. The first molars usually appear around age six, which is a great time to apply sealants and protect those new teeth from cavities. The second molars come in around age 12, offering another chance to apply sealants for extra protection.
Sealants work best when they’re applied soon after the teeth come in, especially since the back teeth have deep grooves that are hard to clean. In some cases, dentists may also put sealants on baby teeth if they have deep grooves or are more likely to get cavities. This depends on whether the child can handle the procedure.
Average Lifespan of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants usually last between 5 and 10 years and help protect back teeth, especially molars, from cavities. They work best during the first two years, greatly cutting the risk of cavities. While their protection slowly fades over time, they still offer several years of defense against tooth decay. Many factors affect the longevity of dental sealants, including:
- Brushing and Flossing: Good oral hygiene helps sealants stay strong and keeps bacteria from weakening them.
- Eating Habits: Chewing hard or sticky foods often, or grinding your teeth, can wear down or break the sealants faster.
- Sealant Material: Resin-based sealants tend to last longer (up to 10 years), while glass ionomer sealants may last about five years but help fight decay by releasing fluoride.
- How Well They’re Applied: Sealants put on carefully by a skilled dentist stick better and last longer.
Dentists suggest having regular checkups every six months to see if the sealants are still working and to reapply them if needed, usually every two to four years. With the right care, sealants can be a strong and long-lasting way to prevent cavities in children.
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Signs That Sealants Need Repair or Replacement
Dental sealants are a strong way to protect teeth from cavities, but they don’t last forever and need regular checkups. Here are some signs that your child’s sealants might need to be fixed or replaced:
- Cracks or Chips: If you see cracks or small pieces missing from the sealant, the tooth might be exposed to bacteria. Even tiny breaks can let plaque in and should be checked by a dentist right away.
- Worn Down or Thin Sealant: Sealants can wear out over time from chewing or teeth grinding. If the surface looks uneven, rough, or thinner than before, it might not be doing its job anymore.
- Food Getting Stuck: If food or plaque is sticking in the back teeth where the sealant is, it could mean the sealant has worn off or isn’t working well, letting bacteria settle in the grooves.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If your child feels discomfort or pain when eating something hot, cold, or sweet, the sealant might have worn away or cracked, letting the tooth enamel show through.
- New Cavities on Sealed Teeth: If a tooth that had a sealant now has a cavity, that’s a sign the sealant has failed and needs to be replaced.
Tips to Ensure the Longevity of Dental Sealants
To make dental sealants last longer on your child’s teeth, consider doing the following:
- Make sure your child brushes and flosses every day to keep their teeth clean
- Don’t let them chew on hard or sticky foods, as these can break the sealants
- Take them to the dentist every six months to check the sealants and overall dental health
- If your child grinds their teeth at night, ask about a mouthguard to protect their teeth
- Follow your dentist’s advice about fluoride, which helps make teeth stronger
- Give them healthy meals and snacks, and limit sugary foods and drinks
- Remind them not to use their teeth to open things or bite objects that aren’t food
- If they have any tooth pain or problems, see the dentist right away
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Ending Note
Dental sealants are a strong and lasting way to protect children’s teeth from cavities. With proper care, they can last 5 to 10 years. Regular dental check-ups and good brushing habits help sealants work their best.
Visit our American board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr.Jasmine Ghanem, at LuxDen Kids to protect your little one’s teeth from cavities. Call us at 347-391-0744 to book an appointment.