As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your child healthy, and that includes their smile. The molars, those hardworking back teeth, are especially vulnerable to decay due to their deep grooves and frequent use. At Dodds Dental in Long Beach, Dr. Emily Dodds and Dr. Dustin Dodds understand how important it is to protect your child’s teeth early on.
One of the best preventive tools available today is dental sealants. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sealants and how they can safeguard your child’s oral health for years to come.
What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of tooth-colored resin that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars. Their primary job? Blocking out food particles and bacteria that often lead to cavities.
Sealants essentially act as a shield, covering the tiny pits and grooves of back teeth where brushing alone often falls short. Here’s why sealants are such a powerful preventive option:
- They seal off the deep grooves that are most susceptible to decay.
- The application is quick and completely painless. No drilling or numbing needed.
- Sealants can last several years and are easily reapplied if needed.
Placed at the right time, usually between ages 6 and 12, they can significantly reduce the risk of cavities during some of the most cavity-prone years of a child’s life.
When Should Kids Get Dental Sealants?
Even if your child is a great brusher, molars are naturally harder to keep clean. That’s why Dr. Dustin Dodds and Dr. Emily Dodds evaluate your child’s dental development at every preventive visit. The ideal time to apply sealants is soon after the permanent molars come in. For most children, this means:
- First molars typically erupt around age 6
- Second molars usually come in around age 12
If Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin sees an opportunity to provide extra protection with sealants, they’ll make the recommendation based on your child’s unique needs, not a generic treatment protocol. It’s part of the personalized, relationship-first care we’re proud to offer here at Dodds Dental.
Are Sealants Safe and Effective?
Absolutely. Dental sealants have been widely researched and endorsed by major dental and pediatric health organizations for their safety and effectiveness in combating tooth decay. What’s more, the process itself is:
- Non-invasive and quick (usually completed in one visit)
- Completely comfortable. Kids can return to normal activities right away.
- Highly effective. Research shows sealants can reduce the risk of molar decay by up to 80%.
At Dodds Dental, we use modern materials and techniques that are designed to be both safe and long-lasting. Plus, our friendly team makes sure your child feels at ease every step of the way.
Sealants and Preventive Care: A Winning Combination
Dental sealants are a powerful tool, but they work best as part of a larger preventive care plan that includes:
- Twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste
- Daily flossing
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings
At Dodds Dental, we take the time to educate families during every visit. Drs. Emily and Dustin Dodds combine their clinical expertise with a warm, down-to-earth approach. Plus, for families without insurance, our in-house membership program also makes preventive services such as sealants more affordable and accessible.
Book Your Child’s Dental Sealant Appointment in Long Beach
Your child’s smile is worth protecting, and dental sealants can make a lasting difference. If you’re ready to take the next step in cavity prevention, the team at Dodds Dental is here to help. Contact our Long Beach family dental office today at (562) 439-0754 to schedule your visit. We can’t wait to welcome you and your child into our dental family.
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