What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Prevent Cavities?
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from a safe plastic material. Dentists apply them to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where most cavities in children and teens tend to form. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that can easily trap food particles and bacteria—even with good brushing habits.
Once the sealant is painted on and hardened (usually with a special curing light), it acts as a shield over the enamel. This barrier keeps out plaque, food, and acids that cause tooth decay.
Why Are Sealants Especially Important for Kids and Teens?
Children and teenagers are more prone to cavities for a few reasons:
They may not brush as thoroughly as adults.
Their molars tend to have deeper grooves.
Their diets often include cavity-causing snacks and drinks.
By applying sealants soon after their permanent molars come in (usually around age 6 for the first set and age 12 for the second), dentists can protect these vulnerable teeth during the cavity-prone years.
How Effective Are Dental Sealants?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%. That’s a big impact for such a quick and painless procedure. In fact, children without sealants have almost three times as many cavities as those with them.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Getting dental sealants is a simple and painless process:
The dentist or hygienist cleans and dries the tooth.
A special gel is applied to roughen the surface so the sealant sticks better.
After rinsing and drying again, the sealant is painted on.
A blue curing light hardens the sealant in seconds.
The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and requires no drilling or numbing.
Are Sealants Just for Kids?
While sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teens, adults without cavities or fillings in their molars can also benefit. Ask Dr. Birnbaum if sealants are right for you.
A Small Step for a Healthier Smile
Dental sealants are a simple, cost-effective way to protect your child’s teeth from decay and avoid more serious (and expensive) dental work down the road. Combined with regular checkups, good brushing and flossing habits, and a balanced diet, sealants offer a strong line of defense against cavities.
Talk to Dr. Birnbaum today about sealants—it’s a small investment for a big, healthy smile.
Contact Dr. Birnbaum today at (617) 965-1400 or book your appointment for your professional dental checkup or cleaning today.