What Are Sealants?
Sealants are a safe, painless, and lowcost way to help protect your child's teeth from decay. Sealants have been used on children's teeth for more than 20 years. A thin, plastic, toothcolored or clear coating (sealant) is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. This forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Why Should Children Have Sealants?
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have tiny grooves tha form as each tooth develops. This is where most decay occurs in children. That's because the bristles of a toothbrush can't get down into the grooves to remove the food and bacteria that get trapped there.
Which Teeth Should Be Sealed?
Usually the molars and premolars are sealed. Fluoride helps protect the smooth surfaces on the front teeth and on the sides of the back teeth. But only sealants can keep food and bacteria from getting into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
When Should Children Get Sealants?
Sealants should be applied as soon as the first permanent molars (6-year molars) erupt (come in). This occurs between 5 and 7 years of age. The second molars (12 year molars) and the premolars should be sealed as soon as they erupt, between 11 and 14 years of age. That's because the greatest chance of decay occurs during the first year after the teeth erupt. However, it's never too late to apply sealants, as long as the teeth are free of decay and fillings.
How Are Sealants Applied?
The dentist or other trained staff person in the dentist's office applies the sealants. There's no numbing and no pain. The treatment is done in three steps.
- The teeth are cleaned, dried, and etched so the sealant will adhere. Any plaque is first removed from the teeth. Cotton rolls are placed around the teeth to keep them dry. Then each tooth is treated with a mild etching solution to kill any bacteria and make the surface slightly rough. A rough surface helps the sealant to adhere better.
- The sealant is painted on and hardened. The chewing surface of each tooth is painted with liquid sealant, using a small brush or applicator. Spaces between the teeth are not painted, so your child can still floss between each tooth. The sealant is then hardened, usually with a special light.
- The sealant is carefully checked. Each tooth is examined to be sure that the grooves are fully covered and that the sealant won't interfere with chewing. The sealant bonds to the tooth as it hardens, so your child can eat normally right away.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants can last for 3 to 5 years. If they chip or come off, they can easily be replaced. Any problems can be detected and corrected at your child's regular dental checkups. As long as the sealants are in place, decay is less likely to develop in the grooves. You can help the sealants last by encouraging your child not to chew on ice cubes or hard or sticky candy.
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