Is It Safe to Use Dental Sealants for Kids?

Dental sealants offer a powerful shield against cavities for children’s teeth. According to the CDC, sealants reduce cavity risk by nearly 80% in the first two years after application. 

Kids’ dental sealant safety remains a top concern for parents, especially when choosing preventive care. 

Sealants are thin coatings applied to molars and premolars, protecting chewing surfaces from decay. 

This blog explores the safety of dental sealants for kids and why they are a trusted option in pediatric dental care. If your child suffers from dental cavities, dental sealants may help prevent future pain and costly treatments.

What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are protective coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of children’s molars and premolars. These coatings create a barrier that blocks food particles and bacteria from settling into the grooves and pits of teeth. 

The sealants typically consist of plastic or resin materials that harden quickly once applied. 

By sealing these vulnerable areas, dental sealants for kids prevent the buildup of decay-causing bacteria. 

Are Dental Sealants Safe for Your Child?

Understanding BPA Concerns In Dental Sealants

Many parents worry about Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical sometimes found in dental sealants. BPA has raised health concerns due to its potential hormonal effects. However, the amount of BPA released from sealants is minimal. 

Studies by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that this tiny exposure poses no significant health risk to children.

BPA Exposure Compared To Everyday Sources

The BPA exposure from dental sealants is much lower than what children encounter daily from everyday items like canned foods, plastic containers, and other household products. This comparison helps reassure parents that sealants do not significantly increase BPA risk.

Long Track Record Of Safety And Effectiveness

Dental sealants have been safely used for over 40 years. Both the ADA and CDC endorse sealants as a safe and effective method for preventing cavities. There is no scientific evidence linking sealants to adverse health effects in children.

Recommendations From Restorative Dentists

Restorative dentists commonly recommend dental sealants because they reduce the risk of tooth decay and lower the chances of a dental issues. 

Sealants help avoid more invasive treatments like fillings or crowns. Parents should discuss any safety concerns with their restorative dentist, who can provide guidance and suggest BPA-free sealant options if desired.

Benefits of Dental Sealants: Beyond Safety

Dental sealants prevent nearly 80% of cavities in the first two years after application and continue to protect about 50% of teeth for up to four years. 

They can last up to nine years with proper care. Sealants create a smooth surface, making it easier for children to brush effectively and maintain oral hygiene.

This protection is crucial while kids are still learning good brushing habits. By reducing cavities, sealants help prevent a child’s toothache and the need for fillings or crowns. Restorative dentists often see fewer decay cases in children who regularly receive sealants.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Children’s molars and premolars are most vulnerable to cavities soon after they erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12. 

Sealants are especially beneficial for children prone to tooth decay or those with a history of cavities. 

Even kids with existing fillings can benefit from sealants to protect remaining healthy tooth surfaces. Restorative dentists recommend sealants as a preventive step to avoid future complex dental procedures.

Kids’ Dental Sealants Safety: What Parents Should Know

Parents often ask about kids’ dental sealants. The procedure is painless, quick, and non-invasive. It does not require drilling or anesthesia, making it comfortable for children. 

Sealants provide a strong defense against cavities, reducing the risk of a child’s costly dental treatments. Restorative dentists encourage sealants as a vital part of preventive dental care.

Dental sealants offer a safe and effective way to protect children’s teeth from cavities and reduce the risk of a child’s dental issues. 

Parents should consider sealants as part of their child’s preventive dental care routine. Consult a restorative dentist at Jupiter Kids Dentistry to discuss dental sealants for kids and address any safety concerns. Early intervention with sealants helps maintain healthy smiles and prevents future dental pain.