Sealing Out Tooth Decay
Tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers. Not only is tooth decay unpleasant and painful, it can also lead to more serious problems like premature tooth loss and childhood periodontal disease.
Dental sealants are an important tool in preventing childhood caries (cavities) and tooth decay. Especially when used in combination with other preventative measures, like biannual checkups and an excellent daily home care routine, sealants can bolster the mouth’s natural defenses, and keep smiles healthy.
How do sealants protect children’s teeth?
In general, dental sealants are used to protect molars from oral bacteria and harmful oral acids. These larger, flatter teeth reside toward the back of the mouth and can be difficult to clean. Molars mark the site of four out of five instances of tooth decay. Decay-causing bacteria often inhabit the nooks and crannies (pits and fissures) found on the chewing surfaces of the molars. These areas are extremely difficult to access with a regular toothbrush.
If the pediatric dentist evaluates a child to be at high risk for tooth decay, he or she may choose to coat additional teeth (for example, bicuspid teeth). The sealant acts as a barrier, ensuring that food particles and oral bacteria cannot access vulnerable tooth enamel.
Dental sealants do not enhance the health of the teeth directly, and should not be used as a substitute for fluoride supplements (if the dentist has recommended them) or general oral care. In general however, sealants are less costly, less uncomfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than dental fillings.
How are sealants applied?
Though there are many different types of dental sealant, most are comprised of liquid plastic. Initially, the pediatric dentist must thoroughly clean and prepare the molars, before painting sealant on the targeted teeth. Some sealants are bright pink when wet and clear when dry. This bright pink coloring enables the dentist to see that all pits and fissures have been thoroughly coated.
When every targeted tooth is coated to the dentist’s satisfaction, the sealant is either left to self-harden or exposed to blue spectrum natural light for several seconds (depending on the chemical composition of the specific brand). This specialized light works to harden the sealant and cure the plastic. The final result is a clear (or whitish) layer of thin, hard, durable sealant.
It should be noted that the “sealing” procedure is easily completed in one office visit, and is entirely painless.
When should sealants be applied?
Sealants are usually applied when the primary (baby) molars first emerge. Depending on the oral habits of the child, the sealants may last for the life of the primary tooth, or need replacing several times. Essentially, sealant durability depends on the oral habits of the individual child.
Pediatric dentists recommend that permanent molars be sealed as soon as they emerge. In some cases, sealant can be applied before the permanent molar is full grown.
The health of the sealant must be monitored at biannual appointments. If the seal begins to lift off, food particles may become trapped against the tooth enamel, actually causing tooth decay.
If you have questions or concerns about dental sealants, please contact your pediatric dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sealing Out Tooth Decay
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a tooth-colored or clear plastic resin that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They act as a barrier that blocks food particles, plaque, and cavity-causing bacteria from settling into the deep grooves of the molars, where decay most often starts.
How do sealants protect my child's teeth from decay?
The chewing surfaces of molars have tiny pits and grooves that are too narrow for toothbrush bristles to reach. Bacteria and food particles get trapped in these spots and produce acids that eat through enamel. A sealant fills in these grooves, creating a smooth surface that brushing can easily clean. About four out of five childhood cavities occur on molars, which makes sealants one of the most effective preventive treatments available.
At what age should my child get dental sealants?
Sealants are usually applied as soon as the primary (baby) molars come in, and again when the permanent molars erupt around age 6 (first molars) and age 12 (second molars). Sealing teeth as soon as they appear gives the strongest protection during the years when children are most at risk for cavities.
Are sealants only for kids, or can adults get them too?
While sealants are most commonly applied to children and teenagers, adults without fillings or decay in their molars can also benefit from them. Anyone at higher risk for cavities — due to deep tooth grooves, dry mouth, or a history of decay — may be a good candidate.
How are dental sealants applied?
The process is simple, quick, and completely painless. The dentist cleans and dries the tooth, applies a mild solution that helps the sealant bond, rinses and dries the tooth again, paints the liquid sealant into the grooves, and then hardens it with a special blue curing light. The result is a thin, durable shield over the chewing surface.
Does getting sealants hurt?
No. Sealant application is one of the most comfortable dental procedures available. There are no shots, no drilling, and no removal of tooth structure. Most children find the experience easy and stress-free, and the entire visit usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.
How long do dental sealants last?
With proper care, sealants can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. Their lifespan depends on your child’s chewing habits, diet, and oral hygiene. Some children may need a touch-up or reapplication over time, and we’ll check the condition of the sealants at every routine dental visit.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes. Sealants have been used safely for decades and are recommended by the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the CDC. The amount of material used is extremely small, and any trace exposure to chemicals like BPA is far lower than what a child encounters in everyday environmental sources.
Will my child still need to brush and floss after getting sealants?
Absolutely. Sealants protect only the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — they do not cover the sides of the teeth, between teeth, or the front teeth. Daily brushing twice a day, flossing, a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups are still essential for complete cavity protection.
Can sealants be placed over a cavity?
No. Sealants are only used on healthy teeth or teeth with very early signs of decay that have not yet broken through the enamel. If a cavity has already formed, it must be treated with a filling first. The dentist will check each tooth before placing a sealant to make sure it’s a good candidate.
Do sealants replace fluoride treatments?
No, the two work together. Sealants physically block bacteria from the deep grooves of molars, while fluoride strengthens enamel everywhere in the mouth, including the smooth surfaces sealants don’t cover. For the best protection, most children should have both.
Are sealants visible when my child smiles?
No. Sealants are placed only on the back molars and are either clear or tooth-colored, so they cannot be seen during normal smiling or talking. Your child’s smile will look exactly the same as before.
What happens if a sealant chips or wears off?
If a sealant breaks or partially comes off, food particles and bacteria can get trapped underneath, which actually increases cavity risk. That’s why we examine the sealants at every six-month checkup and reapply or repair them whenever necessary.
Are dental sealants covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, often at little or no out-of-pocket cost as a preventive service. Coverage varies, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider, and our team is happy to help verify your benefits before treatment.