Maintaining children's dental health from an early age is a crucial step in preventing various dental problems in the future. One method that is becoming increasingly popular is the use of dental sealants, a thin protective coating applied to the surface of teeth, particularly molars. Dental sealants help protect teeth from plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Dental sealants work by covering the natural grooves and fissures on the surface of the teeth that are difficult to reach while brushing. Children, especially those still learning how to brush their teeth, often miss these areas, allowing plaque and food particles to accumulate, which can lead to cavities. With a sealant in place, the risk of tooth decay is minimized because the layer creates an effective protective barrier.
The application of dental sealants is also a quick and painless procedure, so children typically feel comfortable during the process. The sealant is applied by coating the tooth surface with a liquid material that is then hardened using a special light. Once hardened, the sealant forms a durable protective layer, usually lasting for several years before it needs to be replaced.
While dental sealants do not replace the need for regular brushing and flossing, they are an effective additional step in maintaining children's dental health. With this extra protection, parents can feel more at ease knowing that the risk of their child’s teeth being damaged is reduced. The use of dental sealants also aligns with efforts to improve children's oral health, contributing to their overall quality of life in the future.
Ultimately, dental sealants are a health investment that not only protects children’s teeth from the risk of decay but also helps build good oral hygiene habits from an early age.
Dental sealants help prevent tooth damage early on, supporting the goal of improving children's health and preventing oral diseases that could affect their quality of life. By maintaining dental health from a young age, children have a better chance of growing up with good health.
Children with healthy teeth are able to learn more comfortably and focus better, without being distracted by pain from dental problems. Thus, maintaining dental health through dental sealants supports children in reaching their educational potential. This article demonstrates FKG UGM's commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education.
Author : Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo : Freepik
