40% OF KIDS WILL have at least one cavity by the time they start school, usually due to poor oral hygiene and eating and drinking lots of sugary things. It’s critical to teach kids good oral health habits early on and to help them brush their teeth until they are able to do it themselves, but it can still be tricky for them to clean out the crevices in their molars. That’s where sealants come in.
How Do Sealants Work?
Dental sealants are a layer of clear plastic that we brush onto the chewing surfaces of teeth to keep cavity-causing plaque and bacteria out. Sealants reduce childhood tooth decay in the back teeth by as much as 80%, which is why they’ve been such a popular treatment since the 1960s. The application process is quick, painless, and easy and can be done within a regular appointment.
Who Can Get Sealants?
We recommend that kids get sealants as soon as their first adult molars erupt, which is usually around age 6. The earlier, the better, but sealants aren’t only for young children; older kids, teens, and adults can get them too!
Ask Us About Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a remarkable preventive tool that can safeguard your or your child’s oral health for years to come. By providing a protective barrier against cavities, especially in those hard-to-reach areas of your molars and premolars, they offer a simple yet effective way to maintain a healthy smile.
Let’s work together to keep those smiles cavity-free!
Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
At what age should my child get dental sealants?
Dentists typically recommend sealants as soon as the first permanent molars erupt — usually around age 6 — and again when the second permanent molars come in around age 12. Getting sealants applied early gives children the most protection during the cavity-prone years before they have fully developed the coordination and discipline for thorough brushing in the hard-to-reach back teeth.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care, though they are checked at each routine dental visit and can be reapplied if they chip or wear down. Avoiding hard foods like ice and hard candies helps sealants last longer. Regular checkups ensure any worn areas are caught and touched up before cavity protection is lost.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. While sealants are most commonly associated with children, adults who are prone to cavities or who have deep grooves in their back teeth can also benefit from sealants — provided those teeth are free of decay and existing fillings. Ask your dentist at your next visit whether sealants might be a good preventive option for you.