Sealants Can Reduce the Risk of Cavities

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 40% of children develop cavities in their baby teeth. Deep grooves or depressions in back teeth are especially vulnerable to decay, and children often have a tough time brushing every corner of their mouths. Inadequate brushing allows plaque to build up in these trouble spots. Dental sealants act as a barrier against harmful bacteria. The sealant gel bonds with the tooth to create a hard surface, keeping food, debris, and bacteria from penetrating. Sealants hold up against the force of daily chewing and prevent enamel erosion.

Sealants Can Stand Up to Sugary and Sticky Foods

Children often enjoy sugary and acidic foods and sticky treats like toffees, taffies, and gummy candies. These foods adhere to teeth and can be difficult to brush away. While good oral hygiene is important, it’s not always enough to remove all remnants of sugary snacks. As bacteria feast on sugar, these treats can set your child up for future cavities. Sealants provide an added defense in the most vulnerable parts of a child's mouth.

Sealants Help Compensate for Poor Brushing

Many children skip their morning brushing or forget to floss at night. Over time, skipping oral hygiene can lead to serious dental problems. Sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, but they make it harder for bacteria and food particles to penetrate the enamel. They buy your child extra protection when their brushing routine falls short, offering support to busy families with hectic schedules.

Dentists Across the Globe Recommend Sealants

• Most dentists recommend dental sealants because they deliver promising results. The American Dental Association has found that sealants reduce the risk of molar decay by nearly 80%.
• According to the CDC, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.” Fewer cavities mean fewer dental appointments and costly treatments for future complications.
• Sealants have been used in dentistry for more than 50 years, and institutions like the American Dental Association affirm that sealants are safe for children. There is no credible evidence that sealants are associated with health risks.

Sealants Prevent Common Dental Concerns

Preventive dentistry can help ensure a healthy mouth for years to come and save time and discomfort later on. Filling cavities and repairing tooth decay is often painful, financially burdensome, and stressful. An in-office sealant procedure takes less than an hour and can limit the time a patient spends in the dentist’s chair over their lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are dental sealants? A: Sealants are a thin plastic material applied directly to the surface of the tooth. They bond with the enamel to create a protective coating that helps prevent cavity-causing bacteria from damaging the tooth.
• Q: Do sealants hurt? A: Dental sealant procedures are fast and painless. The dental team cleans the tooth, applies a special gel, attaches the sealant, and uses a blue light to harden it. No drilling or injections are required, and most patients experience no discomfort.
• Q: When should I consider dental sealants for my child? A: Sealants should be applied to newly erupted molars. First molars appear around age 6–7, second molars at 12–13, and wisdom teeth around 18. Sealants can be applied as each set of molars emerges.
• Q: Can adults receive sealants? A: Yes. While sealants are most common for children, adults can also receive them. Family applications can encourage children to feel more comfortable during their visits.
• Q: How much do dental sealants typically cost? A: Sealants are a simple, minor treatment, usually costing between $30 and $60 per tooth. Insurance and payment plans can help reduce costs further.

Family Dental Terminology

• Dental Caries: Also known as cavities, these result from poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to form tiny holes in the teeth.
• Dental Sealants: A plastic solution applied to the tooth crown to protect the ridges of teeth from infection.
• Dental Prophylaxis: A thorough cleaning procedure that prevents the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
• Dentist: A doctor specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral conditions.
• Etchant: A gentle acid used to treat a tooth surface so filling material can adhere effectively.
• Occlusion: Describes how the upper and lower rows of teeth meet when biting; problems here are called malocclusion.
• Overjet: When the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth, also known as “buck teeth.”
• Pregnancy Gingivitis: Gum inflammation caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, leading to sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding.