Protecting Teeth with Dental Sealants
Even with regular brushing, it can be challenging to clean every surface of your child’s teeth—especially the deep grooves and pits in the back teeth where plaque tends to collect. These hard-to-reach areas are particularly vulnerable to decay. Dental sealants offer an effective solution by filling in these grooves with a protective plastic resin that bonds to the tooth surface. Once hardened, the sealant creates a smooth, easy-to-clean barrier that helps prevent plaque buildup and enhances the effectiveness of daily brushing.
Sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent molars shortly after they emerge, serving as a proactive measure against cavities. While it’s more typical to apply sealants to permanent teeth, your dentist may recommend sealing baby teeth in certain cases—depending on your child’s unique dental health and risk of decay.
Dental sealants usually last three to five years, but it’s not unusual for them to remain intact even longer. Some adults still have functioning sealants applied during childhood! Since sealants are only effective when fully intact, it’s important to have them checked regularly. If a sealant comes off, prompt replacement ensures continued protection against tooth decay.
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