Strong smiles start with smart prevention. Even the best brushers can miss tiny spots on their back teeth, especially in the deep grooves of molars where food and bacteria like to hide! That’s where dental sealants come in.
Sealants are a simple, painless way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities before they start, reducing the risk of cavities by up to 80%.
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that’s gently painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Once hardened, it acts like a shield, keeping out food and germs that can lead to cavities. Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, so your child won’t even notice they’re there.
Why focus on molars?
Molars are the hardest teeth to keep clean, especially for younger kids still perfecting their brushing technique! Because these back teeth do most of the chewing and have deep pits, they’re the most common spots for cavities to form. While sealants don’t cover the sides or spaces between teeth, they provide lasting protection where it’s needed most.
How are dental sealants applied?
The process is quick, comfortable, and completed right in our office during a regular visit. Here is what your child can expect:
- We clean and dry your child’s tooth to get it ready.
- A special gel is brushed on to help the sealant stick.
- We rinse and dry the tooth again.
- The dentist paints on the sealant to cover the tiny grooves in the tooth.
- A special blue light makes the sealant hard and strong.
No drilling or numbing necessary. Just healthy smiles in a matter of minutes.
But don’t baby teeth just fall out anyways?
It’s true that baby teeth are temporary, but they play a very important role while your child is growing. Healthy baby teeth help your child chew food, speak clearly, and hold space for their adult teeth to come in straight and strong.
Since some baby teeth do not fall out until around ages 10 to 12, cavities can still cause problems if left untreated. Decay can spread quickly and lead to pain or infection. Applying sealants helps protect those teeth, keeping your child’s smile healthy now and setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Are dental sealants safe for my child?
Yes. Sealants are made from BPA-free materials and have been trusted by pediatric dentists for decades. They’re completely painless and last for several years with good brushing, flossing, and routine checkups.
How much do sealants cost?
Here’s another reason to smile: most insurance plans cover sealants for children as part of preventive dental care. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help verify your benefits and review all available payment options before your visit.
Keep cavities away before they start. Schedule your child’s sealant visit online today.
