Even with good brushing habits, the deep grooves in your child’s back teeth can be difficult to clean. Food and cavity-causing bacteria can collect in these small spaces, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent cavities.They add protection in areas that toothbrush bristles may struggle to reach.
At Pediatric Dentistry of Wyoming & Nebraska, we help parents decide whether sealants are a good fit for their child’s growing smile.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Bacteria in the mouth use sugars from food and drinks to produce acids. Over time, these acids can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities.
Sealants create a barrier over the grooves and pits of the back teeth, helping keep food and bacteria out of these vulnerable areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants prevent about 80% of cavities in back teeth over two years.
Sealants protect the surfaces they cover, so daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits remain essential.
When Should Children Get Dental Sealants?
Sealants are often recommended when a child’s permanent molars come in. The first permanent molars usually appear around age 6, and the second molars around age 12.
Protecting these teeth soon after they emerge can help prevent decay from developing in their grooves. Your child’s dentist will consider:
- The depth and shape of the grooves.
- Your child’s cavity history and risk of future decay.
- Whether the tooth has erupted enough to apply the sealant properly.
- Any existing signs of tooth decay.
Some baby teeth may also benefit from sealants, especially when they have deep grooves and a higher risk of cavities. Your dentist can recommend which teeth need protection.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
Applying a sealant is usually quick and painless, with no drilling or numbing needed.
The process typically includes these steps:
- Clean the tooth. The dental team cleans the chewing surface.
- Prepare the surface. The tooth is dried, and a conditioning gel is applied to help the sealant bond.
- Rinse and dry. The gel is rinsed away, and the tooth is kept dry.
- Apply the sealant. The coating is placed into the grooves.
- Harden and check. A special curing light hardens many sealant materials, and the team checks the sealant and your child’s bite.
The application generally takes only a few minutes per tooth.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants often last for several years. However, they can wear down or chip over time.
At regular checkups, your dentist will examine your child’s sealants and recommend repairs or reapplication when needed. Keeping sealants intact helps maintain their protective barrier.
Do Sealants Replace Brushing or Fluoride?
No. Sealants work alongside other preventive care.
They protect the grooves on chewing surfaces, while fluoride helps strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Your child should still brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily, and visit the dentist as recommended.
Can a Tooth With a Cavity Receive a Sealant?
Sometimes a dentist can seal an area of very early decay before a hole has formed. More advanced decay may need a filling or another treatment.
Your dentist will examine the tooth to determine whether a sealant can help or whether treatment is needed first.
Are Dental Sealants Right for Your Child?
Sealants can be a helpful way to protect hard-to-clean teeth, but recommendations depend on your child’s individual needs.
Our team provides preventive dental care for children in Cheyenne, Laramie, and Scottsbluff. We’re happy to explain your child’s options and help you build healthy habits for a super smile.
Request an appointment to find out whether dental sealants are recommended for your child.