As a parent, you do everything you can to protect your child's health. You make sure they eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, and stay active. But when it comes to protecting their teeth from cavities, even the most diligent brushing and flossing may not be enough. That's where dental sealants come in—a simple, painless preventive treatment that can dramatically reduce your child's risk of tooth decay.
At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, our pediatric dentists recommend dental sealants as one of the most effective ways to safeguard your child's smile. If you've heard of sealants but aren't quite sure what they are or whether your child needs them, this guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from a safe, BPA-free plastic material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—the molars and premolars. Once applied, the sealant flows into the deep grooves and pits of these teeth and hardens, creating a smooth, protective barrier that keeps food particles, bacteria, and acids from settling into areas that are difficult to clean.
Think of sealants as a raincoat for your child's teeth. Just as a raincoat keeps water from soaking through to your clothes, sealants keep cavity-causing substances from penetrating the tooth's surface and causing decay.
Why Back Teeth Need Extra Protection
Your child's molars are particularly vulnerable to cavities for several reasons:
- Deep Grooves and Pits: The chewing surfaces of molars have natural grooves, fissures, and pits that are often too narrow for toothbrush bristles to reach. No matter how well your child brushes, these tiny crevices can trap food and bacteria.
- Location in the Mouth: Back teeth are harder to see and harder to reach, making thorough cleaning more challenging—especially for children who are still developing their brushing skills.
- Heavy Use: Molars do the heavy lifting when it comes to chewing. They're constantly exposed to food, sugars, and acids, which increases their exposure to decay-causing substances.
- Developing Habits: Children and teens are still learning proper oral hygiene techniques, and their brushing may not be as thorough or consistent as it needs to be to fully protect these vulnerable teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
Research consistently shows that dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth for up to two years after application and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years. Here's why parents and pediatric dentists love them:
- Powerful Cavity Prevention: Sealants create a physical barrier that blocks the bacteria and acids responsible for tooth decay. Children with sealants are far less likely to develop cavities in their sealed teeth.
- Quick and Painless: Applying sealants takes just a few minutes per tooth and requires no drilling, no shots, and no discomfort. Most children don't even realize anything is happening.
- Cost-Effective: Preventing a cavity is always less expensive than treating one. Sealants are a small investment that can save your family significant time, money, and stress down the road.
- Long-Lasting Protection: With proper care, sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied. Your pediatric dentist will check them at each visit to ensure they're still intact.
- Safe for Children: The materials used in modern dental sealants have been extensively tested and are considered safe for children of all ages.
When Should Your Child Get Sealants?
The ideal time to apply dental sealants is shortly after your child's permanent molars come in—before cavities have a chance to develop. Most children get their first set of permanent molars around age 6 and their second set around age 12.
At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, our team monitors your child's dental development and will recommend sealants at the optimal time for their individual situation. In some cases, sealants may also be recommended for baby teeth if a child has particularly deep grooves or is at higher risk for decay.
Children and teens between the ages of 6 and 14 are typically the best candidates for sealants, though they can benefit patients of any age who have cavity-free molars with deep grooves.
What to Expect During the Sealant Application
One of the best things about dental sealants is how quick and easy the application process is. Here's what your child can expect:
Step 1: Cleaning The tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or food particles.
Step 2: Preparation A gentle solution is applied to the chewing surface to help the sealant bond securely to the tooth. This is rinsed off and the tooth is dried.
Step 3: Application The liquid sealant material is painted onto the tooth's surface, where it flows into the grooves and pits.
Step 4: Hardening A special curing light is used to harden the sealant in just seconds.
That's it! The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth, and your child can eat and drink normally right away. There's no numbness, no waiting period, and no special aftercare required.
Caring for Sealed Teeth
While sealants provide excellent protection, they're not a replacement for good oral hygiene habits. To get the most benefit from your child's sealants:
- Continue Regular Brushing: Your child should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to all surfaces of every tooth—including the sealed ones.
- Floss Daily: Sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of teeth, so flossing remains essential for cleaning between teeth and along the gumline.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: While sealants are durable, biting down on ice, hard candy, or very sticky foods can sometimes chip or dislodge them.
- Keep Up with Dental Visits: Regular checkups allow your pediatric dentist to monitor the condition of your child's sealants and reapply them if needed.
Common Questions About Dental Sealants
Are sealants safe?
Yes. Dental sealants have been used for decades and are considered safe and effective by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the CDC.
Do sealants hurt?
Not at all. The application process is completely painless—no needles, no drilling. Most children find it quick and easy.
Can sealants be applied over cavities?
Sealants are designed for cavity-free teeth. If your child already has a cavity, it will need to be treated before sealants can be considered.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants typically last several years with normal use. Your dentist will check them regularly and can reapply them as needed.
Will sealants change how my child's teeth look or feel?
Sealants are clear or white, so they blend in naturally with the tooth. Your child may notice a slightly smoother surface on their molars, but this is generally not bothersome.
Sealants as Part of a Complete Preventive Plan
At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to your child's oral health. Dental sealants are just one component of a complete preventive care plan that includes regular dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel, nutritional guidance to minimize cavity-causing foods, and education on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Our pediatric dentists, including Dr. Gladys Carrasco, Dr. Jennifer Hole, and Dr. Joanna Ayala, work closely with families to create individualized care plans that address each child's unique needs and risk factors.
Give Your Child's Smile the Protection It Deserves
Dental sealants are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your child from cavities. With just a few minutes of painless treatment, you can give your child years of added protection against tooth decay—and save your family from the time, expense, and discomfort of treating cavities later.
If your child's permanent molars have recently come in or are about to, now is the perfect time to ask about dental sealants. Our team at Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces is here to answer your questions and help you decide if sealants are right for your child.
Schedule Your Child's Appointment Today
Ready to learn more about how dental sealants can protect your child's smile? Contact Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces to schedule an appointment. Our friendly, experienced team provides gentle, compassionate dental care in a warm, child-friendly environment.
We're conveniently located in central Pleasanton, just minutes from Pleasanton Elementary, Pleasanton Junior High, and Pleasanton High School. Our office proudly serves families throughout Pleasanton, Poteet, Jourdanton, and the surrounding South Texas communities.
