Sealants for Children - Dental Sealants

Sealants help prevent decay by protecting the surface of the teeth, especially the back teeth where brushing can be more difficult for children. They are made of a clear, liquid resin that hardens when a special light is shined on it. This creates a smooth, hard surface that prevents food from settling in the grooves of your child’s back teeth.

Research has shown that sealants can reduce a child’s risk of decay in treated teeth by up to 80%. The CDC has even weighed in, stating that children without dental sealants may be 3 times more likely to develop decay in the same teeth than children with sealants.

How are Sealants Placed?

First, the tooth or teeth are washed, dried, and isolated with either cotton rolls or a rubber dam. Then the teeth are etched with a special gel that roughens the teeth, so the sealant material has a rough surface to adhere to. Once that is rinsed off, the sealant material is flowed into the grooves of the teeth and light cured. When all the teeth have been treated, the dentist checks for rough edges and makes sure floss can pass between the teeth.

Generally speaking, there are no side effects with dental sealants unless your child is allergic to one of the ingredients in the resin material, which is extremely rare.

Caring for Your Child’s Sealants

Sealants are sturdy and should last up to 10 years, but may need replacing sooner, depending on your child’s lifestyle. Avoiding chewing on ice and hard candy can prolong their life and prevent chipping which might allow decay to sneak in and rot the tooth from the inside. The dentist will monitor your child’s sealants at each visit to make sure they are still intact.

While sealants don’t eliminate the need for proper homecare such as flossing and brushing twice daily, they can offer some protection and can even stop minor decay from developing further.

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Sealants For Children FAQs

Are dental sealants safe for kids?

Dental sealants are very safe for children and are widely recommended by dentists to protect teeth from cavities. The main risks are very small.

Some children may have a temporary allergic reaction to the sealant material, although this is rare. In a few cases, if the sealant isn’t applied correctly, it may wear down or allow bacteria to get trapped underneath, which could lead to teeth decay. Regular dental visits help make sure the sealants stay in good condition and continue to protect your child’s teeth effectively.

Why do my kids need dental sealants?

Kids need dental sealants because they help protect the grooves and pits on their back teeth. These areas are harder to keep clean, even with regular brushing and flossing, and that makes them more likely to develop cavities. Sealants act like a protective shield to keep out food and bacteria that cause decay. Since children are still learning good brushing habits, sealants give their teeth extra protection during the years when they are most at risk for cavities.

Are dental sealants really necessary for children's molars?

Yes, dental sealants are highly recommended for children’s molars because these teeth have deep grooves that are hard to clean. Food and bacteria can easily get stuck in these grooves, making molars more likely to develop cavities. Sealants provide a smooth, protective coating on the teeth, which blocks out plaque and acids that can cause decay. While not every child will get cavities in their molars, sealants lower the risk and are an effective way to protect their teeth during the years when they are most vulnerable.

Do dental sealants for children hurt?

No, dental sealants do not hurt. The process is quick, easy, and completely painless for kids. Your family dentist simply cleans the tooth, paints on a thin coating of sealant, and then hardens it with a special light. There are no drills, needles, or shots involved. Most children only feel the dentist working in their mouth and may notice a slightly funny taste, but that goes away quickly. Sealants are one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.