Would you get that protective coating for your kid’s molars?

Would you go for it?

We went for the sealants when my kid’s dentist suggested it. Honestly, I was skeptical because, like you said, “it’s not totally necessary, just recommended.” The cost wasn’t nothing, but in my case, I’ve had a lot of fillings and dental work myself - wish I’d had that option as a kid. No regrets so far. My kid hates getting cavities filled way more than the quick sealant appointment. If your insurance covers it, I’d say it’s worth considering.

I totally get where you’re coming from about wanting to avoid fillings down the line, but I’ll admit, I see it a little differently. My oldest had sealants put on a few years ago and honestly, they didn’t last as long as I’d hoped. Within a year or so, one had chipped off and the dentist wanted to redo it (and charge again, of course). We brush and floss regularly at home, so I started wondering if the sealants were really doing much for us.

I’m not against them, but I do think the benefit depends a lot on your kid’s risk for cavities and how well they keep up with oral hygiene. For us, focusing on regular cleanings and good brushing habits has worked just as well - and less hassle with re-applying stuff. If your kid’s prone to cavities or has deep grooves in their molars, maybe it’s more worth it. But I don’t think it’s a must for everyone. Just my two cents...

Interesting take. I actually had the opposite experience - my youngest got sealants and they’ve held up for three years now, no issues. I wonder if it comes down to the dentist’s technique or maybe even the kid’s chewing habits? For us, it was worth it since she’s got those deep grooves and brushing alone just wasn’t cutting it. But yeah, I get that it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing.

I wonder if it comes down to the dentist’s technique or maybe even the kid’s chewing habits?

That’s pretty much where I landed too. My oldest had sealants done and they lasted maybe a year before chipping off, but my nephew’s have stuck around for ages - same family, different dentists. Makes me think it’s a bit of a gamble, like rolling the dice on hardware longevity (except you can’t just reboot your teeth).

Do you think diet plays into it? My kid is a popcorn and ice chewer - total nightmare for anything fragile in his mouth. I’m half convinced he could gnaw through steel cable if he tried. Maybe that’s why sealants never stood a chance for us.

I get the “deep grooves” thing though. Some kids’ molars look like the Grand Canyon, and brushing really doesn’t reach all those nooks. But then again, my youngest barely has any grooves at all and her dentist said sealants would be overkill.

Anyone else notice dentists seem split on recommending them? One told us “essential for every kid,” another said “eh, only if they’re high risk.” Makes me wonder how much is science vs how much is just personal style.

Still, three years with no issues is impressive. Wish we had that luck... or maybe I just need to hide the popcorn.