Sealants

As a parent, you may wonder why dental sealants are recommended for children. Children are particularly prone to cavities due to their developing brushing and flossing skills, as well as their love for sweets. The back teeth, or molars, with their deep pits and grooves, are especially vulnerable to food particles and plaque, making them more likely to decay. Even with diligent brushing, these hard-to-reach areas are difficult to clean thoroughly.

Sealants offer an effective way to protect children’s molars from cavities. These thin protective coatings are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where food and plaque often get trapped. By smoothing out deep pits and grooves, they make teeth easier to clean and help lower the risk of decay. Research shows this preventive treatment can reduce tooth decay in molars by up to 70%, making it a smart option for children’s dental health.

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Smiling woman with blonde hair in a light blue bib talking with a masked provider while seated in a dental chair

The Dental Sealants Procedure

Dental sealants are thin coatings that help protect the back teeth from cavities. Getting them is quick and painless, and no drilling is needed. Here is what happens at each step.

Examination and Cleaning

The dentist will first examine your child’s teeth to ensure there is no existing decay. The teeth are then thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the sealant application.

Checking Which Teeth Can Be Sealed

The dentist looks over each tooth first to decide which ones will benefit from sealants. Cleaning then removes plaque so the sealant can stick well.

“After an examination, a dentist will determine which teeth can be sealed.”

Florida Department of Health in Orange County, “Dental Sealant FAQs”

Etching

A mild etching solution is applied to the tooth surface to create a slightly rough texture, which helps the sealant bond effectively to the tooth.

Roughening the Surface for a Better Bond

The etching solution is mild, about as strong as vinegar or lemon juice. It gives the tooth a slightly rough surface that the sealant can grip.

“This roughens the tooth surface slightly so that the sealant will bond to it properly.”

Florida Department of Health in Orange County, “Dental Sealant FAQs”

Rinsing and Drying

The etching solution is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried.

Keeping the Tooth Dry

After a few seconds, the etching gel is rinsed away and the tooth is dried again. A dry surface helps the sealant bond to the tooth.

“your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth once again”

American Dental Association, MouthHealthy, “Sealants”

Applying Sealant

A liquid sealant material is applied to the tooth’s surface, flowing into the grooves and fissures to fill them.

Painting On the Sealant

The sealant is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where it fills the pits and grooves. These are the spots where food and germs most often get stuck.

“A dental sealant is a protective coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About Dental Sealants”

Hardening the Sealant

A special curing light is used to harden the sealant within a minute, turning it into a durable plastic varnish.

Forming a Protective Shield

Once it hardens, the sealant forms a shield that keeps food and germs out of the grooves. Sealants can last for years and are checked at your regular dental exams.

“Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a protective shield over the tooth.”

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Seal Out Tooth Decay”

Maintenance After Sealants

While sealants create a protective shield over the teeth, they don’t replace the need for good oral hygiene. Your child should continue brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy diet. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure that the sealants remain intact and continue to protect against decay.

Dental sealants are most effective in the first four years after application, but they can last much longer with proper care. During routine visits, the dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.

Smiling woman with long brown hair as a gloved provider gently holds her jaw to check her smile

Contact Us About Dental Sealants

If you’re interested in dental sealants for your child, Desert Pearl Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, CA, is happy to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we can discuss how sealants can benefit your child’s oral health.