Sealants for 3 Yr Old

Updated on August 16, 2010
J.K. asks from Marblehead, MA
10 answers

I just took my daughter to the Dentist for the first time and she is recommending sealants on her molars. She said that she has deep groves in her teeth so it is a preventative measure for cavaties. I had never heard of doing sealants on baby teeth so I am wondering if anyone has any experience with this....I asked my daughter's doctor what they thought but they said they don't make any recommendations for dentistry issues....This is not covered by our dental insurance but the cost is do-able for us if it really is necessary.

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C.D.

answers from Washington DC on

My son did get the sealant on his baby teeth when he was 3. He had cavities to it prior but none after.

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S.C.

answers from Norfolk on

My oldest had them done for the same reason. Even though we were brushing well he ended up with two cavities in his baby molars. That's when the dentist recommended the sealants. He hasn't had one cavity since! If you do it remember not to let her have anything sticky (gum, fruit snacks, some candies, etc.) because it can pull the sealants off. Good luck!

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

My dentist did sealants with two of my children when we had insurance coverage. They ended up getting cavities under the sealants but my children who didn't get sealants (because my insurance didn't cover it any more) didn't have cavities. They always recommend with my kids also.

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N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi, J. - I am a dental hygienist and I don't think I have ever seen sealants on primary teeth. That being said, it is possible that your daughter's teeth do warrant them. You could always get a second opinion, but that might cost you close to what the sealants do! If you decide not to get them, just keep a close eye on things, watch her diet, brush her teeth at least twice a day.....all things you are probably doing anyway. Good luck!

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

I had cavities in every one of my baby molars. My dentist sealed my adult molars and the cavities slowed down dramatically. I say go for it. It would be less traumatic for your child to have the sealants than a filling!

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

this was recomended for one of my nephews sure they are baby teeth but yoyr child will have them for quite some time if your 3 year old is good at the dentist I would say go for it. yes if they dont get a good seal they can get cavities under the seal but our dentist checks my 8 yr olds sealants every cleaning and they checked to make sure the seal was good when they were done.

J.W.

answers from Seattle on

I talked to my kids' dentist about getting sealants on both of their teeth (they both have deep crevaces). They tried to do my oldest sons (age5) but he got freaked out since he didn't know what they were doing. They go back in to the dentist in Oct, my oldest is getting his done then and my younger son is getting his done at the appt after that, so in like 8 months or something. It just protects from cavities.

A.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son had sealants on his back teeth when he was 3. The dentist said that he had weak enamel from all the antibiotics that he was on as a baby. Our insurance covered it but I haven't noticed that it has done any harm. He is only 4 though so only time will tell. I know that for me growing up I had sealants on my teeth and I never had one cavity until after I had my first child. I think it really works for adult teeth so I can't see it would hurt for children’s teeth. Do you see a pediatric dentist? If you are looking for a second opinion you might bring her to a pediatric dentist who would know best. Good Luck!

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

Sometimes teeth do not seal properly on their own. This was the case with both me and my son, his baby teeth have been sealed and he has no problems, I never had mine done, and had cavities at every visit because with the deep grooves you can not get them clean no matter what you do. When the adult teeth come in the sealing will have to be redone, but for me it was well worth it to do it for my son twice to save him the pain of having cavities filled over and over.

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