Dental Sealants to Prevent Cavities and Tooth Decay

Dental sealants are an effective way to prevent cavities and tooth decay and help keep those molars in good health.

We generally recommend dental sealants for young patients to protect their baby teeth from cavities as they learn to brush their teeth, but patients of any age can benefit from dental sealant treatment.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are made up of a thin, protective coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces of rear molars.

They are composed of a type of plastic or other dental materials and are completely safe for your child’s oral health.

This coating fills in gaps and blocks bacteria and food particles from getting stuck in hard-to-reach places that brushing and flossing can miss. This is especially important for children, as they might not be as thorough with their oral hygiene as an adult can be. Back teeth are full of crevices that are ideal for bacteria to hide in, eventually causing cavities if not treated.

According to the CDC, sealants can protect against up to 80% of cavities for the first two years after application, and remain up to 50% effective for up to four years after that. Application is quick and painless, and sealants can be applied in a single dental visit. Ask our team about sealants at your child’s next teeth cleaning.

While it’s most common for children to receive dental sealants, adults can benefit from them as well. If you’re concerned about cavities and are interested in protecting your teeth, ask our dentists if sealants are right for you.