What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin protective coatings of tooth-safe resin applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where food and bacteria get trapped in deep grooves. They act like a shield, sealing out the stuff that causes cavities — protecting the exact spots toothbrush bristles struggle to reach.
When Should Kids Get Sealants?
Around age 6, when the first permanent molars come in, and again between ages 11–13 when the second set appears. Newly erupted molars are the most vulnerable — the enamel is still developing and brushing skills aren’t mastered yet. Sometimes we also recommend sealants for baby teeth with deep grooves or high cavity risk.
What to Expect — Completely Painless
Sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. They’re not permanent — normal chewing wears them down over time — so we check them at every visit and touch up as needed.
- We clean the tooth
- A mild solution gently roughens the surface so the sealant bonds
- Liquid resin is painted into the grooves and crevices
- A curing light hardens it — done!
Sealant Myths, Busted
- “Aren’t they plastic?” — sealants are made from safe, BPA-free materials designed for oral use, with decades of research behind them
- “They’re only for kids who brush poorly” — even great brushers benefit; some grooves are simply too deep for bristles
- “Baby teeth don’t need them” — sometimes they do, when cavity risk is high
