It consists in the application of resins or other materials on permanent molars, in order to make the surface smoother and hardly attacked by caries. But is this practice actually safe and effective?
“Carlo lost his first dentino,” says the mother. “How it grows quickly!” Exclaims smiling his grandmother. «Have you already asked the dentist if it is appropriate to seal your teeth? When you were little, I remember that we did it … ».
There teeth sealing in children It is one of the recommended measures for the prevention of caries, a disease that often affects during childhood and which to be prevented requires particular attention to oral hygiene and proper nutrition (of the causes and prevention we speak in depth in this article).
In this article we will explain what this practice consists of and if it really represents a valid help to get to adulthood with healthy teeth.
What is the sealing of the teeth?
There Seat of the teeth what it is Exactly? The sealing of the teeth of children consists in the application of resins or other materials on permanent molars, in order to make the surface smoother and difficult to attack by caries. The molars, in fact, generally have an irregular external wall, interrupted by articulated and deep furrows, in which residues of food and bacteria can be accumulated. The sealing, or the mechanical closure of these cracks, makes use of resin -based materials or glass -long -sisted cements.
How does the sealing of the teeth work? The material, applied in liquid form, penetrates the furrows and therefore solidifies, going to form a barrier that blocks the entrance of food and bacteria. When there is a doubt that the tooth may have already been affected by caries, the dentist, before proceeding with the sealing, will sanitize the furrows. The sealing, in fact, as well as in the prevention of caries, is also effective to avoid the progression of initial dear lesions.
When to do the teeth sealing to children?
When to do the teeth sealing? When the eruption of the first permanent molars is complete. This generally occurs around 6 years of age. The first molars emerge behind the milk teeth, in an oral cavity of still small dimensions, and are therefore particularly difficult to clean (especially by children, which at this age still have a reduced manual skills). It is estimated that the furrows of the permanent molars remain at high risk of caries for about four years after the eruption.
As soon as the exposed surface allows it, the first molars should therefore be sealed. In fact, the more, the more the sealing is effective in preventing caries. Over time, when the dental exchange continues, the sealing can also be performed on the premolars and the second molars, whose eruption takes place later, around 12 years old.
As for the economic aspect, The cost of the sealing It can vary between 30 and 70 euros per tooth.
Sealing teeth children contraindications and benefits
Which are the benefits of the sealing of the teeth in children? This practice does it involve risks?
It is estimated that the sealing of the first permanent molars is effective in preventing caries three years after its application in 87.1% of cases. After four years, the effectiveness drops to 76.3% and after nine years at 65%. Studies that have evaluated the occurrence of adverse effects following the procedure have not highlighted any risk.
The effectiveness is not very different from that of another practice, i.e. the use of fluorine paint, dental product in the form of liquid/pasta that contains a fluorinated compound and which must be applied on the teeth two to four times a year, with a cost (for application) ranging from 30 to 80 euros.
Although not infallible, the sealing is therefore a procedure simple, safe and effectiveand is therefore strongly recommended. The success of the sealing over time depends on its estate (during application it is important that the tooth is as dry as possible) and also by the type of material used. Resinous base materials guarantee excellent sealing, generally better than the glass censions, which, however, have the advantage of releasing fluorine over time and are recommended on all those occasions when the control of humidity may not be optimal, for example when the child is not collaborative during the procedure. Today there are also hybrid materials that combine the advantages of resins and cements. The studies that investigated the effectiveness of the different materials have however not highlighted substantial differences in their performance. Over time, during periodic control visits, generally half -yearly, the dentist will check the seals holding and, possibly, if it finds the loss of the sealing material, will reintegrate it.
There are no real contraindications to the sealing But an aspect to pay attention to is the correct occlusion of the teeth following the procedure. It will be the task of the dentist to verify that the sealing material does not cause interference in the closure of the teeth and possibly remove the excess material.
How to prepare the child for the appointment with the dentist?
Many children (and also some parent) are frightened by the idea of going to the dentist. How to overcome this fear? First of all, it is important Look for a professional prepared and accustomed to working with smaller patients. He himself will put the child at ease, for example showing him and making him try some tools, perhaps on a puppet. The parent, for his part, must be careful not to transmit anxieties to the child. For example, he can communicate the appointment with him a few days in advance and explain the reasons and methods of the procedure with simple words (“the dentist will clean his teeth and check that they are strong like those of a lion”). On the contrary, it is better to avoid lies or descriptions that are too detailed.
You can also organize a fun activity to do together after the appointment, so that the visit by the dentist is associated with something pleasant. Also Some simulation games can be useful To face the visit with serenity. For example, you can have your doll and plush teeth washed, look together inside the mouth with a mirror, become the “patients” of their child dentist.
