As parents increasingly focus on their children’s dental health, dental sealants have emerged as one of the most effective tools to prevent cavities in kids. But how exactly do sealants work? Why are they so important for young teeth? This article explains how dental sealants work, why they are important for your child’s long-term dental health, and how they compare to other treatments. Schaumburg Dentistry specializes in preventive dentistry. Our highly experienced pediatric dentist in Schaumburg, along with the rest of our team, provides expert care to protect and maintain your child’s oral health.
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars (back teeth) to prevent decay. These teeth are the most prone to cavities due to their grooves and pits, which can trap food and bacteria even when kids brush regularly. Molars are harder to clean than front teeth, and that’s where sealants come in.
The sealant material is a liquid resin that’s painted onto the tooth. The resin flows into the grooves and pits, and then it hardens, forming a protective barrier. Think of sealants as a raincoat for your child’s teeth—they shield the vulnerable parts from bacteria and food particles, helping to stop cavities before they even begin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school-age children without sealants are three times more likely to get cavities compared to those with sealants.
The application of dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
First, the tooth that will receive the sealant is thoroughly cleaned. This step is crucial because any food particles or plaque left on the tooth could prevent the sealant from sticking properly. By cleaning the tooth, a smooth, debris-free surface is ensured for the sealant to bond to.
Proper cleaning helps the sealant stay in place for years, reducing the chances of cavities forming under the sealant.
Special tools like cotton rolls or a cheek shield are used to keep the area around the tooth dry. Moisture can make it difficult for the sealant to stick, so keeping the tooth dry during the process is essential.
Sealants need a completely dry surface to bond securely. If the tooth is wet, the sealant may not adhere correctly and can fail prematurely.
To help the sealant stick better, an etching solution is applied to the surface of the tooth. This solution makes the surface slightly rougher, allowing the sealant to bond more effectively.
The etching solution usually contains a mild acid that creates tiny microscopic pores in the enamel. These pores help the liquid sealant flow into the grooves and create a tight seal once it hardens.
After applying the etching solution, the tooth is rinsed to remove the solution, and then dried again to ensure no moisture remains before the sealant is applied.
Rinsing the etching solution ensures it doesn’t interfere with the bonding process. The tooth must be completely dry for the next step.
The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth. Because the sealant is in liquid form, it flows easily into the deep grooves and pits of the tooth. This is important because these grooves are where food and bacteria often get trapped, leading to cavities.
The liquid sealant is a type of resin that is designed to be thin enough to reach into all the crevices of the tooth but durable enough to withstand years of chewing. Once it’s applied, the resin creates a smooth surface that makes it easier to clean the tooth.
A special blue curing light is then used to harden the sealant within seconds. This light helps the sealant bond to the tooth’s surface, creating a strong protective barrier.
Once the dental sealants procedure is complete, it forms a smooth, durable layer that acts as a protective barrier. Your child can eat and drink immediately after, with no need for anesthesia or drilling, making it a stress-free experience.
Children’s molars are highly susceptible to cavities because their chewing surfaces have deep grooves where bacteria can thrive. Even with good oral hygiene habits, it’s difficult for toothbrushes to reach these areas effectively. Dental sealants provide extra protection by filling in these grooves, making it much easier to keep the teeth clean.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sealants reduce the risk of cavities in children by 80%. This makes them very effective, especially for kids who are still learning to brush and floss properly.
Yes, dental sealants are completely safe. The materials used are BPA-free and designed to bond with the tooth’s surface without penetrating it. This means that sealants don’t interfere with the tooth structure. They are simply applied as a protective layer on top, which makes them an ideal option for young patients.
Research published by the CDC shows that dental sealants can prevent nearly 3 million cavities in U.S. children from low-income families if applied through school-based programs.
Dental sealants can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Over time, they may wear down or chip, but they can be easily replaced or touched up during your child’s regular dental checkups. It’s important to have them inspected regularly to ensure they continue providing effective protection against cavities.
Once dental sealants are applied, ensuring they last and continue protecting your child’s teeth requires some simple but effective maintenance habits. Here are key tips to help parents maintain their child’s dental sealants:
During dental visits, the dentist will check the condition of the sealants and repair any areas that may have worn away.
Even with sealants, your child still needs to brush and floss daily. Sealants don’t protect between teeth, so flossing is important to remove food particles from those areas.
Sticky foods like gummies or hard candies can damage sealants. Avoid foods that can dislodge or wear them down prematurely.
Teeth grinding, especially at night, can wear down sealants faster. A night guard may be recommended if this is an issue.
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but fluoride strengthens the overall tooth structure. Fluoride treatments during dental visits are a great way to ensure your child’s teeth remain strong and resistant to decay.
While dental sealants are an effective way to prevent cavities, another preventive option known as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has gained attention. SDF is a liquid that can stop cavities from progressing and even prevent new ones from forming. One of the benefits of SDF is that it can be applied by school nurses or dental hygienists, making it accessible for school-based programs.
However, SDF can stain areas of decay black, which may not be ideal for children. In contrast, dental sealants are clear or tooth-colored, making them more cosmetically appealing. Both treatments are effective, but the choice depends on the specific needs of your child.
A study published in the JAMA Pediatrics found that both sealants and SDF prevented about 80% of cavities over a four-year period among school-aged children.
While fluoride helps strengthen the smooth surfaces of teeth, dental sealants protect the rough, grooved areas of molars. Combining sealants with fluoride treatments provides comprehensive protection against tooth decay. Fluoride remineralizes the enamel and repairs tiny areas of decay, while sealants keep food and bacteria out of the hard-to-reach spots.
Together, these two treatments can prevent almost all tooth decay, making them the ultimate team in maintaining your child’s oral health.
Children should get dental sealants on their permanent molars as soon as these teeth emerge. The first set of molars, often called 6-year molars, typically come in between the ages of 5 and 7, while the second set, known as 12-year molars, appears between the ages of 11 and 14. Sealing these teeth early helps protect them from decay during the years when they are most vulnerable.
Teenagers and young adults who are prone to cavities can also benefit from dental sealants, as can some younger children with deep grooves in their baby teeth.
The dental sealants cost is typically lower than that of treating cavities, and many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover sealants as a preventive treatment. In some cases, dental sealants may be covered up to 100% by insurance. To learn more, contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss pricing options. For families considering financing, we also offer CareCredit, which allows you to get pre-qualified with no impact on your credit score.
Dental sealants in Schaumburg provide a simple, effective way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities by shielding the chewing surfaces of molars. This helps prevent decay and avoids costly treatments in the future. Combined with fluoride treatments and regular dental visits, sealants ensure your child can maintain strong, healthy teeth for years.
Our skilled team at Schaumburg Dentistry, led by Dr. Louis and Dr. Jon Asimakopoulos, provides thorough preventive care, including fluoride and dental sealants in Schaumburg. Our trusted dentists in Schaumburg have extensive experience in family, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry, and they prioritize providing high-quality care to patients of all ages without causing any discomfort. This includes the safe application of dental sealants.
Protect your child’s teeth today. Call (847) 985-8100 to schedule an appointment for expert dental care.
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