Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to your child’s back teeth. They shield the deep grooves of molars from food and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and decay during the cavity-prone years.
Sealants are painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars, where cavities often form. Once applied, the coating quickly hardens and acts as a barrier, blocking out food and bacteria to protect teeth from decay.
Sealants help protect hard-to-reach molars where brushing might miss. They reduce the chance of cavities by sealing off grooves that trap food and bacteria, keeping your child’s smile healthier and reducing the need for future fillings.
Dental Sealants
Shields molars to prevent decay before it starts.
Sealants are ideal for children around age 6 or older, when permanent molars begin to appear. Parents of kids prone to cavities or who have deep grooves in their back teeth should consider this preventive treatment to avoid future dental decay.
Sealant appointments are fast and easy. After cleaning the teeth, the dentist paints a thin protective layer onto the molars. It hardens quickly with a special light. There’s no pain or drilling, and the entire process takes only a few minutes—perfect for kids who are new to dental treatments.
Dental sealants take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being treated. The process is quick and painless, with no drilling or anesthesia required, making it ideal for young children and easy to fit into a regular visit.
After getting sealants, your child should avoid sticky or chewy foods for the rest of the day. While durable, sealants can wear over time and should be checked during regular visits. They’re preventive, not a substitute for brushing—daily oral hygiene is still essential.
There’s little to no recovery time after sealants. Your child can resume normal activities right away but should avoid sticky foods for the rest of the day. Sealants may feel slightly “bumpy” at first, but they’ll adjust quickly as your child eats and chews.
