Are Sealants Right for Your Child?
As a parent, you do everything you can to protect your child’s health. From wellness visits to balanced meals, you know prevention is key. But when it comes to their dental health, many parents overlook one simple and effective tool…dental sealants.
Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities. They’re especially helpful for children, whose brushing habits we know may not always be perfect. But are they right for your child
What Are Dental Sealants?
Think of sealants as armor for your child’s teeth. They shield the deep grooves and pits on the back teeth where food particles and bacteria like to hide. These deep groove areas are hard to clean, even with regular brushing and flossing. Over time, that buildup can lead to decay. Bacteria loves to hide in these grooves and that makes these grooves a prime location for decay to begin.
Sealants are made from a safe plastic resin that hardens after being painted onto the tooth. Once in place, they form a barrier that can last several years and drastically reduce the risk of cavities.
Why Are Children Ideal Candidates for Sealants?
Children are especially prone to cavities for a few reasons. Their dexterity is not great and they typically do not brush and floss thoroughly. Their diets often include sugary snacks and drinks which lead to cavities when not properly brushing and flossing. Their permanent molars and premolars have deeper grooves than adult teeth, making them harder to clean.
Once their first permanent molars come in (usually around 6 years old), and again when second molars come in (around 12 years old), those teeth become prime candidates for sealants. Applying sealants during this window (before cavities develop) is a proactive move that can help avoid fillings, crowns, and other costly dental procedures down the road (also avoiding treatment many children will see as traumatic that will make them avoid the dentist in their adulthood leading to further dental issues).
The Benefits of Sealants
Prevention of Cavities
Statistics show that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%. That’s a major advantage during the years children are most cavity-prone.
Painless and Quick Application
There are no drills or needles involved in applying sealants. Applying sealants is quick, easy, and completely painless, usually done in one short appointment. Often, they are done at a regular cleaning appointment!
They’re Cost-Effective
Preventing cavities is far cheaper than treating them! Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, and even without insurance, the cost is minimal compared to restorative work.
Durability
Sealants can last 5–10 years with proper care, and dentists check them at each routine visits to ensure they’re still effective.
Are There Any Risks?
Dental sealants are extremely safe. The material used has been studied extensively, and while some contain small amounts of BPA, the amount is far below harmful levels (less than what you’d be exposed to by touching a receipt or breathing in dust).
Allergic reactions are also very rare. Still, always inform your dental provider of any known allergies or sensitivities your child has before treatment.
When Sealants Might Not Be Necessary
While sealants are highly recommended, they may not be necessary in every case. For example, if your child has exceptionally shallow grooves on their molars sealants would not be indicated. Also, if your child already has excellent oral hygiene and low risk for cavities, sealants would not be indicated. And if a tooth has already been restored with a filling due to decay, you would not do a sealant in that case.
Your dentist will evaluate your child’s teeth and risk factors before recommending sealants. It’s never a one-size-fits-all decision.
Supporting Sealants with Good Habits
Even with sealants, good oral hygiene is still essential. Teach your child early to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily (parents may need to help with this one!), limit intake of sugary snacks and drinks, and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Sealants are a powerful tool, but they work best as part of a comprehensive dental care routine.
So, Are Sealants Right for Your Child?
If your child has newly erupted permanent molars, struggles with brushing thoroughly, or has a history of cavities, sealants are likely a smart and effective preventive measure. They’re safe, affordable, and incredibly effective at protecting young smiles.
Think of sealants as a head start in the race against tooth decay. While they aren’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, they can make a huge difference, especially during those cavity-prone early years.
If you’re unsure whether sealants are right for your child, talk to your dental provider. A quick exam can determine if your child’s teeth could benefit from this simple yet powerful protection.
Protect their smile today, and give them fewer reasons to worry tomorrow!
Sherri Merritt
Dental Consultant & Trainer
