Does my seven-year-old need sealants on his teeth?!


Question:

Does my seven-year-old need sealants on his teeth?

Our dentist recommends sealants on his molars to prevent cavities. Since these are going to fall out anyway, I was wondering if sealants are necessary and how common this is.


Answers:

As a hygienist I would absolutely say yes. When the sealants get placed (which is quick, easy and with no anesthesia or limitations on eating after) you are covering the grooves and pits in the back teeth that he will (hopefully) have forever. Those pits and grooves are so microscopic a toothbrush bristle can't even fit in some of them. If he gets no decay that is great, but if he does he will need a filling. Over his lifetime the filling will need to be replaced and each time it gets bigger which puts him at greater risk of needing a root canal or a crown. Most seven year olds don't have the interest or dexterity to clean their teeth thoroughly. Kids diet can be somewhat uncontrollable, think about what they can eat at school without you knowing.The cost of sealants is often covered by insurance and even if you had to pay out of pocket it would still cost alot less than fillings over and over. Also, even if a sealant does fall out it has been shown still be retained on a microscopic level. You will be doing the best thing for him. Hope that helps
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist




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