Dental Sealants for Kids

What sealants are

Dental sealants are a thin, tooth-colored or clear coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Those surfaces have deep grooves, called pits and fissures, where food and bacteria collect and where a toothbrush bristle often cannot reach. A sealant fills and covers those grooves.

The ADA and the AAPD both support sealants as an effective way to reduce cavities on the chewing surfaces of molars in children and teens. The CDC reports that school-age children without sealants have far more cavities than children with them.

Which teeth usually get sealants

The first permanent molars usually come in around age six, and the second permanent molars around age twelve. Sealing these teeth soon after they erupt is common because they are newly exposed and their grooves are deep. In some cases a dentist may also recommend sealants on baby molars or on premolars with deep grooves.

How sealants are applied

Placing a sealant is usually quick and does not require numbing or drilling. A typical process looks like this:

• The tooth is cleaned and dried
• A mild solution prepares the surface so the sealant can bond
• The tooth is rinsed and dried again, often with cotton to keep it dry
• The sealant is painted into the grooves
• A special light may be used to help it harden

How long they last

Sealants can last for several years, but they can chip or wear. A dentist checks them at regular exams and can repair or reapply them when needed. Sealants protect only the chewing surface, so brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth and limiting sugary drinks still matter.

Questions to ask

Ask which teeth the dentist recommends sealing and why, whether any early decay is present, how often sealants are checked, and whether your plan covers them. Coverage for sealants varies by plan, so confirm with the practice and your insurer.