Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the US. In Washington State, nearly 40% of kindergarteners and 58% of third graders have cavities. This might sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be: cavities are preventable.
In addition to brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, dental sealants are another important measure for protecting kids’ teeth against decay. But despite their importance, many parents don’t know much about dental sealants — how they work, whether they are safe, and what they do to protect kids’ teeth and their oral health.
So, what exactly are dental sealants, and why do kids need them?
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What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, or molars. Sealants fill the deep grooves that are hard for kids to properly clean when brushing, giving extra protection against tooth decay and cavities.
Cavities don’t happen overnight — they are more like a slow erosion. The bacteria in our mouths feeds off sugar in foods we eat. This process leaves behind nasty acids, which weaken our enamel little by little and have a big impact on dental health.
Sealants act as a shield against some of the acids, and can last up to 9 years. Sealants do, however, lose some of their effectiveness over time (and can even fall off) so it’s important to have regular checkups with the dentist as well as continue practicing good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing.
Why Do Kids Need Dental Sealants?
Early cavity prevention is extremely important. Cavities in baby teeth lead to cavities in permanent teeth, and to a lifetime of oral health problems. Preventing cavities before they start sets kids up for success — which is where dental sealants come in.
Sealants are kind of like little tooth-sized levies — one more barrier protecting our children’s teeth against the slow erosion caused by bacteria and acids. In fact, studies conducted by the ADA show that sealants can help reduce the potential for cavities by up to 80%!
Getting your child sealant for their teeth can be done at a normal cleaning at the dentist. It’s a simple process, and typically includes the following steps:
- The back teeth are cleaned and dried.
- The back teeth are cleaned and dried.
- Teeth are rinsed and dried a second time.
- Sealant is brushed on the tooth as a liquid.
- Sealant dries and hardens within a minute or two. Sometimes a curing light is used to help the bonding and hardening process.
Once your child’s teeth have been sealed, they should continue brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride rinse as part of their usual oral hygiene routine.
When Should Kids Get Dental Sealants?
The ADA recommends dental sealants for kids ages 5 to 14. Ask your dentist about dental sealants for your child as soon as their first permanent molars come in, between the ages of 5 and 7. Another set of dental sealants can be applied when kids get their second set of permanent molars, usually between age 11 and 14.
Dental sealants are also a good preventive measure for any teenager particularly prone to cavities.
Are Sealants Covered by Dental Insurance?
Dental sealants are considered a preventive benefit, just like regular exams and fluoride treatments. Most Delta Dental plans cover preventive services and dental sealants at 100%, so your child gets all their protective sealants at little or no out-of-pocket cost.
Create or sign in to your MySmile® account and use our MySmile Cost Estimator® to get an estimate for dental sealants based on your child’s specific benefits and dentist.
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