Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are commonly considered for children because molars have grooves where food debris and plaque can be difficult to remove with brushing alone.
Sealants are not a substitute for brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing where teeth touch, balanced eating habits, or regular dental care. They are one preventive option a dental professional may discuss after examining a child’s teeth. Professional disclosure: The dentists at Hamilton City Dental are general practitioners.
What are dental sealants?
Molars and premolars have natural pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces. Some grooves are narrow or deep enough that toothbrush bristles may not clean them thoroughly. A sealant is a resin coating that covers these surfaces, creating a smoother barrier over the grooves.
The goal is to reduce the chance that cavity-causing plaque and food particles remain trapped in those areas. Sealants are generally placed on teeth that do not already have fillings or decay requiring restorative treatment.
Which children may benefit from sealants?
Children often get their first permanent molars around age six and their second permanent molars later in childhood or adolescence. These newly erupted back teeth can be difficult to clean while a child is still learning consistent brushing techniques.
Whether sealants are appropriate depends on the individual tooth and the child’s overall oral-health needs. A dental examination can consider factors such as the tooth’s grooves, cavity history, oral hygiene, diet, fluoride exposure, and whether the tooth has fully erupted.
Sealants may also be considered for some baby teeth with deep grooves when a child has a higher risk of cavities. The decision should be based on a dental assessment rather than age alone.
What happens when a sealant is placed?
Placing a sealant is usually a straightforward preventive procedure. The tooth is cleaned and dried, the chewing surface is prepared so the material can bond, and the sealant is applied and hardened. The dental team then checks that the coating sits properly on the tooth.
The process does not involve drilling into a healthy tooth. However, the steps and a child’s comfort needs can vary. Parents can ask the dental team to explain what will happen before treatment begins.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can wear down, chip, or come away over time, particularly because back teeth handle a great deal of chewing. Their condition can be reviewed during routine dental visits, and a dentist can advise if a sealant needs to be repaired or replaced.
A sealant does not make a tooth immune to decay. Cavities can still develop around the edges of a sealant or on other tooth surfaces. Daily oral hygiene and regular preventive care remain important.
Helping children protect their molars at home
Parents can help by supervising brushing until a child has the coordination to clean thoroughly. Encourage brushing twice a day with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste, and help with cleaning between teeth when contacts are close together.
Water is a tooth-friendly choice between meals. Limiting how often sugary foods and drinks are consumed can also help reduce repeated acid exposure on teeth. A dental professional can provide personalized prevention guidance based on a child’s needs.
Hamilton City Dental lists dental sealants among its children’s dentistry services. The dentists at Hamilton City Dental are general practitioners. If you have questions about sealants, ask your child’s dental team whether an examination can help determine if they are appropriate.
Key takeaways
- Dental sealants are protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
- They may help protect the deep grooves of molars, where brushing can be challenging.
- A dental assessment can determine whether sealants are appropriate for a particular child and tooth.
- Sealants need periodic review and work alongside—not in place of—daily brushing, cleaning between teeth, and preventive dental care.
