Do Dental Sealants Really Help Prevent Tooth Decay in Kids?

Dental sealants are one of the simplest yet most effective ways parents have to protect their children’s oral health. Not only do sealants work, but they’re also quick, painless, and inexpensive.

At his dental practice in Butte, Montana, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, is a major advocate of dental sealants. And for good reason. Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities over two years (and 50% over four years) in the back teeth, where 9 in 10 cavities occur.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that Dr. Wilcox paints onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). That creates a smooth barrier over the natural pits and grooves where food particles and cavity-causing bacteria can become trapped.

How do sealants prevent cavities?

The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves that help grind food. While essential for chewing, these areas are particularly challenging to clean, especially for children still learning to brush effectively. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque, like a raincoat for the teeth, keeping them clean and dry. 

When should your child get sealants?

Dr. Wilcox recommends sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars come in. Typically, we use dental sealants on children’s teeth during the cavity-prone ages of 6 to 14 years. 

Sealants help prevent cavities during this pivotal period and also set the stage for a lifetime of positive oral health. We can even apply them to baby teeth in a child who’s especially prone to cavities. Sealants can also be a good choice for adults.

To be effective, sealants can only be applied to healthy teeth with no fillings or other restorations; they’re designed to fill in deep grooves or depressions. 

What’s the process for getting sealants?

Applying dental sealants is a quick and comfortable process that only takes a few minutes per tooth.

• Cleaning: We thoroughly clean and dry the tooth.
• Preparation: We apply a special gel to the tooth surface to prepare it for the application of the sealant.
• Application: We paint the sealant material onto the tooth enamel.
• Curing: We use a blue light to harden the sealant, creating a durable protective shield.

Sealants last about five years before needing to be replaced.

Are dental sealants safe?

Dental sealants are a safe and effective treatment recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). 

To learn more about protecting your child's teeth with dental sealants, call the office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilcox.