Dental Sealants: What to Know

Taking care of your teeth is essential, but brushing and flossing may not always be enough to prevent cavities. This is especially true for the back teeth, where deep grooves and pits can trap food and bacteria. That’s where dental sealants come in. They provide an extra layer of protection against decay, especially for children and teenagers.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. These surfaces have deep grooves where food and bacteria easily get stuck, leading to cavities. By sealing these grooves, dental sealants help keep bacteria and food out. Think of sealants as raincoats for your teeth. Just like a raincoat keeps you dry in a storm, sealants keep your teeth safe from harmful bacteria. Sealants act as a smooth barrier over rough tooth surfaces, making them easier to clean.

Sealants are often clear or slightly tinted, so they’re not very noticeable. A dentist or dental hygienist can apply them quickly and painlessly in a single visit. They harden almost instantly, forming a strong shield that lasts for years. While brushing and flossing are still necessary, sealants add an extra layer of defense against decay. They work best when combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

How Do Sealants Prevent Cavities?

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel, creating holes that can grow over time. Once a cavity forms, a filling is required to repair the damage. Sealants stop this process before it begins. Sealants reduce the risk of cavities by acting as a physical barrier. They prevent food particles and bacteria from settling into the deep grooves of molars.

Sealants can prevent 80% of cavities for the first two years after application. Even after four years, they still provide 50% protection. That’s a huge benefit, especially for kids who are still learning to brush properly. Sealants are particularly effective because they protect hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. While brushing removes plaque from the surface of teeth, it can’t always reach into deep pits and fissures. Sealants solve this problem by covering these tricky spots. For best results, dentists sometimes recommend applying sealants as soon as permanent molars appear. This ensures that the teeth stay cavity-free from the start.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?

Many people assume that sealants are only for kids, but that’s not entirely true. While children and teenagers benefit the most, adults can also get sealants. Sealants are effective in preventing cavities in both baby and permanent teeth. Children should get sealants as soon as their molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12. Adults who have deep grooves in their molars but no existing cavities or fillings can also benefit from sealants. If your dentist notices that you’re prone to decay in certain teeth, they may recommend sealants as a preventive measure.

People with a history of cavities should consider sealants, especially if they’ve had multiple fillings in the past. Preventing future decay can save time, money, and discomfort. Sealants also benefit people with special needs or conditions that make brushing difficult. If someone struggles with proper oral care, sealants provide an extra level of protection.

The Application Process

Getting dental sealants is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or numbing. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth. Here’s what happens during a sealant application:

• Cleaning – The dentist or hygienist thoroughly cleans the tooth to remove any plaque or food particles.
• Drying – The tooth is dried, and cotton or another absorbent material is placed around it to keep it dry.
• Etching – A special gel is applied to roughen the tooth surface. This helps the sealant bond better.
• Rinsing & Drying Again – The gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried once more.
• Applying the Sealant – The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth’s surface.
• Curing – A special blue light is used to harden the sealant in seconds.

Once the sealant hardens, it forms a smooth, protective shield. Patients can eat and drink immediately after the procedure. Sealants can last up to 10 years but should be checked during regular dental visits. If a sealant starts to wear down, the dentist can reapply it.

The Importance of Early Application

The sooner sealants are applied, the better they protect teeth from decay. That’s why the CDC recommends applying them right after molars emerge. First molars usually come in around age 6, and second molars appear around age 12. These early years are critical because kids often struggle with brushing properly. Without sealants, food and bacteria can get stuck in molars, leading to cavities.

Sealants protect these newly erupted teeth when they’re most vulnerable. According to the CDC, school-age children without sealants have nearly three times more cavities than those with sealants. Some parents worry about the cost, but sealants are a long-term investment in oral health. They’re much cheaper than fillings, crowns, or root canals. Many insurance plans cover sealants, especially for children. Sealants don’t replace good oral hygiene, but they make cavity prevention much easier. Paired with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, they keep teeth strong and healthy for years.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are a simple, cost-effective way to prevent cavities. They work by creating a protective barrier over molars, keeping bacteria and food particles out. Children and teenagers benefit the most, but adults can also get sealants if their teeth are cavity-free. The process is quick, painless, and provides years of protection. Applying sealants early reduces the risk of cavities significantly. With proper dental care and regular checkups, sealants help keep teeth strong and healthy for a lifetime. If you or your child haven’t received sealants yet, talk to your dentist. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your dental health!

Clarksville Family Dental offers excellent sealants for our patients. Click here to learn more about our sealant procedure. If you need sealants or any other preventative procedure, schedule an appointment with us today!