Understanding the Benefits of Dental Sealants for Your Child

Heather E. Martinson, DDS • January 30, 2025

Your child's oral health is a critical part of their overall well-being. You want to do everything you can to protect their teeth for future generations. Dental sealants add a protective barrier to the surface of your child's teeth to protect them from cavity-causing bacteria.

Many parents are not aware of dental sealant's effectiveness and why this protection should be part of your child's oral health routine. When looking at dental sealants' pros and cons, you and your child's dentist can help you decide if this treatment is the right choice.

Here are some incredible benefits of dental sealants.

Protect Against Cavities

Most parents prioritize protecting their child's teeth. It is essential to consult your child's dentist and explore preventative dental care options. Dental sealants are a popular method for protecting children's teeth from decay.

The process involves applying a thin sealant or coating to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molars. The molars are more susceptible to decay due to their rough surfaces that can trap bacteria and food particles.

The sealant provides a protective shield that prevents decay-causing bacteria from settling into the crevices of the teeth. This reduces the risk of your child developing cavities.

Quick and Painless Process

Getting dental sealants is a simple process. Your child's teeth will be professionally cleaned to prepare for the application. A mild solution, similar to vinegar or lemon juice, will be applied to help the sealant adhere.

Once the teeth are prepared, your child's dentist will apply an acrylic sealant. The sealant fills in any grooves, pits, or depressions on the teeth. This substance hardens for one to two minutes to seal the teeth and protect them against harmful cavity-causing bacteria. For most people, dental sealant side effects are minimal to none.

Long-Lasting Effects

Dental sealant application during childhood can help protect teeth throughout the cavity-prone years. Dental sealants typically last for several years. The coating lasts longer if your child maintains good oral health practices such as daily brushing and flossing.

Be sure to take your child for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Your child's dentist will monitor the dental sealant and repair or reapply as needed.

Cost-Effective Solution

Anything you can do to protect your child's teeth from cavities is a cost-saving solution. Proper brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings are all ways to safeguard your child's oral health for the future.

Dental sealants for children offer another layer of protection and are more cost-effective than fillings or other dental restorations. Most dental insurance providers cover dental sealant applications. The benefits of preventing painful cavities and costly dental work make dental sealants an affordable preventative treatment for children.

Prevention is key when considering the rising costs of healthcare and dental care. Dental sealants are a cost-effective solution and a wise investment in your child's oral health.

Suitable for Young Children

Dental sealants are often recommended for young children. Your child's dentist will recommend the number of teeth to be sealed. This depends on your child's unique needs and the potential for dental cavities. Dentists typically recommend dental sealants soon after the first permanent tooth erupts.

Children around age six whose permanent molars are noticeable benefit most from dental sealants. The pros usually outweigh any cons of getting dental sealants. Some disadvantages of dental sealants include:

They do not last forever
They are not suitable for teeth with fillings or decay
Some dental insurance plans may not cover dental sealants
There is a small risk of an allergic reaction

Can Be Applied at Any Age

Many people think that dental sealants are just for children. Although children are the typical candidates for sealants, anyone can benefit from this preventative dental treatment.

Older adults' permanent teeth often have tiny grooves and indentations on the surface. Applying a dental sealant to these areas can help prevent weakened or fragile teeth from further damage. When considering sealants vs fillings, sealants offer protection to avoid unnecessary tooth decay.

Reduce Deep Grooves

Molars typically have grooves and depressions on their surface, making the back teeth challenging to reach and clean. This is especially true for young children trying to brush by themselves. Even with proper brushing, reaching these areas of your molars can be challenging.

These spots are prime targets for plaque and tartar buildup. Deep grooves make it easier for bacteria to adhere to the teeth, resulting in dental decay. Dental sealants protect vulnerable areas of the teeth and can help prevent future cavities and more costly dental procedures.

A Companion to Good Oral Hygiene

Dental sealants can be a valuable part of your child's solid dental health routine. However, sealants should not be used as a substitute for good dental care or healthy eating habits. While these types of sealants provide protection for your child's teeth, it is critical to remember the value of brushing and flossing each day.

Take your child to a dentist at least twice yearly for a professional dental cleaning and checkup. This helps ensure your child's teeth remain strong and healthy as your child grows.

If your child is a good candidate for dental sealants, talk to their dentist at your next visit. They can help determine if dental sealants are the best choice for your child's dental needs.

Dental Sealants Pros and Cons

After evaluating dental sealants' pros and cons, you will see they are an excellent choice for protecting your child's teeth. Sealants are a positive preventative measure, along with good oral health habits, healthy eating, and routine dental visits.

If you are looking for a dentist for yourself or your family, Heather E. Martinson, DDS, has provided excellent dental care services in Arlington, TX, for the past 25 years. With Dr. Martinson, you will benefit from her comprehensive approach to dentistry and her many years of personalized care for her patients.

If you need dental care or a second opinion, schedule an appointment with Dr. Martinson today.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.