Dental Sealants Over a Cavity: What Parents Should Know

Understanding Dental Sealants

Not every kid brushes perfectly. Luckily, pediatric dental sealants may help to stave off cavities and decay. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants create a veil against cavity-causing bacteria for up to a decade. While not a substitute for brushing, a sealant provides strong cavity protection in children.

Your Richmond Texas pediatric dentist recommends that children get sealants as soon as their permanent molars and premolars are in! This can play a big role in dental health for kids during those years when they’re more vulnerable to cavities. Treating cavities with sealants is also sometimes recommended.

We know that parents have tons of questions about preventing cavities in children. Get your questions about sealants for cavity prevention and treatment answered here!

Can Dental Sealants Be Applied Over a Cavity?

Dental sealants for kids are intended to be preventative. However, there are some cases when a dentist might recommend sealing cavities. Generally, placing dental sealants over a cavity is done with early, minor decay. Your child’s dentist will monitor the clear sealant to confirm it’s working.

When Is Sealing Cavities Recommended?

Dentists decide if treating cavities with sealants is smart on a case-by-case basis. Dental sealants are only recommended on healthy teeth or teeth in early decay stages. They can also be used to get very small cavities under control.

Preserving baby teeth is always a priority because they “keep space” for adult teeth. That’s why your Richmond Texas pediatric dentist will prioritize treatments that preserve baby teeth instead of pulling them whenever possible. Sealants can be used for baby teeth that have grooves or depressions in place of other treatments.

The Process of Applying Sealants Over a Cavity

The child dental sealant process is quick and painless! Sealants are “painted” on the tooth. Here’s what to expect:

• The tooth is cleaned with a pick.
• Sealant made from composite resin is brushed on the teeth.
• A special light hardens the resin.

Sealants are flavorless liquids that harden when dry. Your kid won’t feel or taste the sealant. They can resume normal eating and drinking as soon as they leave the dental office.

Before Sealant Application Over Cavities

Your dentist will always check for signs of cavities before sealing a tooth. Sealant application is usually done at the end of a routine cleaning appointment. This ensures that your Richmond Texas pediatric dentist isn’t overlooking decay that needs to be addressed first.

Benefits and Risks of Sealing a Cavity

Kids don’t get the full benefits of dental sealants unless they’re placed over healthy teeth. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of treating cavities with sealants.

Pros:

• Can stop small decay.

• Prevents more bacteria from entering tooth grooves.

• Helps to preserve baby teeth until they naturally fall out.

• Noninvasive and inexpensive.

Cons:

• Not permanent.
• Doesn’t address underlying bacteria or infection.
• Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can erode or chip sealants prematurely.
• Only suitable for molars.
• Won’t cover areas of significant decay on front or non-molar teeth.

Pediatric Dental Sealants in the Long Run

A typical sealant lasts five to 10 years. The goal is to help kids avoid cavities as soon as their permanent molars arrive. While kids may have their adult teeth, they don’t always have the adult brushing habits needed to stop decay.

One of the risks of dental sealants for sealing cavities is that sealants could erode or chip without the child knowing. The vulnerable tooth will then be exposed to food debris and bacteria until the issue is caught by their dentist at the next visit. In that time, a cavity could grow.

Alternatives to Sealants for Treating Cavities

We offer several alternatives to dental sealants at Luna Pediatric Dentistry Richmond TX. Your child’s tooth has the best chance if a decay spot is removed and restored. Routine cavities are treated with dental fillings. After treatment, sealants for cavity prevention can be applied to the restored tooth. Cavity treatment options for children when decay is more severe include:

• Pulpotomy.
• Crown.
• Extraction.

Preventing Cavities: The Role of Sealants in Dental Health

Kids are at high risk for cavities. Many of the snacks kids love get stuck in the ridges and grooves of teeth easily. The sugar in many popular snacks also contributes to cavity risks. Things like crackers, fruit snacks, and breakfast cereal can all attract plaque bacteria.

Kids can’t always brush right after eating. Most don’t have opportunities to clean their teeth while at school or daycare. That means that food debris sits on teeth for hours each day. Your child can still be at risk for cavities even if they are excellent brushers. It’s easy for kids to miss spots when brushing.

Sealants provide a barrier between food bacteria and teeth. They prevent cavity-causing bacteria from settling into grooves on the back teeth’s chewing surfaces.

Sealants alone can’t do the job! One of the risks of dental sealants is that kids can think it’s okay to be lax with brushing and flossing. It’s important not to think of pediatric dental sealants as replacements for good oral hygiene. In fact, you should carry on with dental hygiene as though the sealants aren’t there at all!

Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene in Children

At Luna Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to empower parents and kids to achieve cavity-free childhoods. Consistency is key! Here are tips for healthy teeth:

• Dental Visits: Kids need professional dental cleanings twice a year. These visits allow your dentist to use professional instruments to remove plaque buildup. A cleaning visit is also an opportunity for us to spot any developing decay.
• Daily Brushing: Twice-daily brushing is essential for preventing cavities.
• Daily Flossing: Kids should floss every time they brush to remove food particles from between teeth. If your child struggles with floss, floss picks and “plackers” can be helpful!
• Replace Toothbrushes: Get a new toothbrush every few weeks to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Hydrate: Drinking water helps to wash away food debris that causes bacteria. Being hydrated also helps to boost saliva production. Saliva washes away bacteria and strengthens tooth enamel. Teach kids that having a dry mouth is bad for teeth!
• Avoid Sugary and Processed Snacks and Beverages: Limit the amount of sugary snacks and beverages kids consume daily. These items feed harmful bacteria that sticks to teeth to cause cavities and decay.

Is Sealing a Cavity the Right Choice for Your Child?

Sealants play an important role in dental care for kids. Sealing is always a good choice for cavity prevention. In some rare cases, treating cavities with sealants can work.

It’s important to focus on long-term oral health. Parents sometimes want the quickest fix. Not filling a cavity can cause a tooth to weaken. Decay can spread until a tooth needs to be extracted. This is why fillings are generally recommended over sealants.

Parents also need to know that bacteria can spread from tooth to tooth. That means that not properly treating one tooth can spread decay to other healthy teeth.

The final thing to say is that the role of sealants is primarily preventative. They provide an extra “buffer” against bacteria that causes cavities.

The only way to decide if sealing cavities is the right choice is to have your child seen by a pediatric dentistry in Richmond TX. Luna Pediatric Dentistry is here to answer all your questions!

If your child already has their permanent molars, we recommend coming in right away for pediatric dental sealants to prevent cavities. If your child has signs of decay or cavities, our pediatric dentist will create a personalized treatment plan. Contact Luna Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation today!