Dental Sealants 101: Everything You Need to Know

At Dentistry for Children, we believe in prevention as the first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities. We are proud to offer a range of preventive services, including dental sealants, to keep our young patients’ teeth healthy and free of decay. Here’s all you need to know about dental sealants and how they safeguard your child’s smile.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings we apply to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. These permanent teeth are vulnerable and susceptible to decay because of their rough and uneven surfaces, which can trap food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Moreover, being at the back of the mouth, your child’s hard-to-reach molars are challenging to brush and floss effectively.

Dental sealants are made of a BPA-free liquid resin or plastic material that hardens and bonds to the tooth enamel when applied. That creates a protective layer that smooths away any grooves, pits, or crevices, essentially sealing out bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Dental sealants have been shown to be one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities, promoting long-term healthy smiles.

When Should Your Child Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are typically placed on permanent molars and premolars as soon as they emerge, before decay has had a chance to develop. The first molars usually appear around age 6, and the second molars typically come in around age 12. The earlier sealants are applied, the better the chances of maintaining a cavity-free smile.

If your child hasn’t had sealants placed, the best time to get them is now! Don’t wait. Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay may also benefit from dental sealants. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Placing sealants will lower the risk of cavities and all the complications that may follow.

What Is the Dental Sealants Placement Procedure?

Placing dental sealants is a quick, easy, and painless process. We will start by cleaning, rinsing, and drying your child’s teeth to remove any plaque, food particles, or debris. Next, we will apply an etching solution to roughen the tooth surfaces to help the sealant material bond.

After preparing your child’s teeth, we will paint the sealant onto the chewing surfaces, filling in every groove and depression. A curing light will harden the sealant material in seconds. The last step is checking your child’s bite and making any needed adjustments to ensure proper function. Once in place, your child’s dental sealants will provide a barrier to food and bacteria, lowering the risk of tooth decay and protecting your child’s smile.

When Will Your Child Be Able to Eat After Sealant Placement?

Your child can eat right away. However, some foods are on a no-no list to avoid sealant failure. These include ice, jawbreakers, and other hard candies that can chip or break your child’s sealants. It’s also important to avoid chewing gum and chewy, sticky foods such as gummy candy, toffee, and caramel, which can all stick and pull out the sealant material, leaving your child’s smile at risk.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

The American Dental Association (ADA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agree that dental sealants are safe for adults and children. At Dentistry for Children, we use the highest quality BPA-free sealant materials for your child’s safety and maximum protection.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Dental sealants are durable and can withstand up to nine to ten years of wear and tear after being placed. However, they are sometimes chipped or damaged and may even fall off.

If a tooth loses its sealant, it no longer has the protective shield keeping bacteria, food debris, and tooth decay at bay. That’s why it’s essential to maintain your child’s regular dental exams and cleanings. We will evaluate every aspect of your little one’s oral health and recommend replacing dental sealants when needed to keep your child’s teeth protected and free from decay.

Can Cavities Form Under Dental Sealants?

Cavities can form under dental sealants in very rare cases, especially if a chip or break in the sealant material allows bacteria in. One of the advantages of sealants is that they are clear, so if a cavity forms in a sealed tooth, we can catch it and treat it before it worsens. That involves removing the sealant, treating the decay, and placing a new sealant coating to keep the affected tooth protected.

How Should You Care for Teeth with Dental Sealants?

Placing dental sealants on your child’s premolars and molars is no substitute for maintaining proper at-home oral hygiene practices. Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day and flosses regularly. Encourage your child to maintain a healthy, balanced diet to get the nutrients needed to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Limit the intake of sugary or acidic foods and beverages to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright.

It’s also important to keep up with your child’s twice-yearly dental exams and cleaning. Our team will monitor your child’s oral health and development and make sure everything stays in tip-top shape. If we find signs of damage or wear in any of the sealants, we will recommend prompt replacement to maintain maximum protection for your child’s smile.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

Dental sealants offer an incredibly affordable and convenient solution to protect your child’s teeth, especially when you consider the time lost from school, discomfort, and costs associated with treating cavities. Our team will provide you with an estimate of the overall cost based on your child’s unique needs. Most dental insurance plans cover dental sealants because of their value in maintaining healthy teeth.

Dental Sealants Near Me in Highland, IN

Visit Dentistry for Children to learn more about safeguarding your child’s teeth with the help of dental sealants. Dr. Halum will recommend the best preventive solutions to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay, promoting long-term healthy smiles. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!