Children's Dentistry
Dental Sealants for Children
Sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, helping to keep food and bacteria out of deep grooves that are hard for children to clean.
Why back teeth need extra protection
The chewing surfaces of molars have natural pits and grooves. In many children these grooves are deep and narrow, narrower than a toothbrush bristle, so food and plaque can settle in where brushing cannot reach. That is why many cavities in children start on these surfaces.
A sealant flows into the grooves and hardens, creating a smoother surface that is easier to keep clean. It does not replace brushing or fluoride, but it adds a helpful layer of protection.
Which teeth, and at what age?
Timing depends on when teeth erupt, which varies from child to child. Sealants are most often considered for:
- First permanent molars, which usually come in around age 6
- Second permanent molars, which usually come in around age 12
- Premolars or baby molars with deep grooves, in some cases
- Teeth that are cavity-free, or that show only very early enamel changes
Sealants work best when placed soon after a tooth has fully come in. Your dentist will check new molars at each visit and let you know when they are ready.
What the visit is like
Placing sealants usually needs no freezing and no drilling. Each tooth takes only a few minutes:
-
Cleaning
The chewing surface is cleaned to remove plaque and food.
-
Keeping it dry
Cotton rolls or a small shield keep the tooth dry. This is often the hardest part for children, so we take breaks as needed.
-
Preparing the surface
A mild solution is applied briefly to help the sealant bond, then rinsed off.
-
Painting on the sealant
The liquid sealant is brushed into the grooves.
-
Setting with a light
A small blue light hardens the sealant in seconds. Your child can eat normally afterward.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last for several years, but they can wear or chip over time, especially with chewing on ice or hard candy. Your dentist will check them at each checkup and can repair or reapply a sealant if needed.
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces only. Cavities can still form between teeth, so flossing, fluoride and regular exams remain important.
Helping your child prepare
You can describe sealants to your child as "painting a raincoat on your teeth" that keeps the sugar bugs out. Let them know they will feel some cotton in their cheeks and see a little blue light, and that they can raise a hand if they need a break.
Ask whether sealants suit your child
Call 780-944-2828 or book an appointment online.