Your child brushes every day and sees the dentist regularly. So you may wonder: Does my child really need dental sealants too?

For many children, sealants can be a useful part of cavity prevention. They are thin protective coatings placed over the grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where food and bacteria can be difficult to remove completely with a toothbrush.

Not every child or every tooth needs to be treated exactly the same way. A dentist can look at your child’s teeth, cavity history and individual risk and determine whether sealants would be beneficial.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Look closely at the chewing surface of a back tooth and you’ll see grooves and tiny pits. These areas help the teeth chew food, but they can also be difficult for toothbrush bristles to clean thoroughly.

A dental sealant is a thin material placed over these pits and grooves. Once the material sets, it creates a protective surface that helps keep food particles and cavity-causing bacteria out of these vulnerable areas.

Sealants are primarily used on molars and other teeth with pits and grooves that may be at risk for decay.

At What Age Do Kids Get Dental Sealants?

There isn’t one exact age that applies to every child, because teeth erupt at different times.

The first permanent molars commonly appear around age 6, and the second permanent molars commonly appear around age 12. These teeth are often evaluated for sealants after they erupt because their chewing surfaces can be particularly vulnerable to cavities.

Sealants may also be appropriate for certain primary teeth or other teeth depending on their anatomy and the child’s cavity risk. The decision should be individualized rather than based only on age.

How Well Do Dental Sealants Work?

Dental sealants are a well-established cavity-prevention tool for children.

Research has found that sealants can substantially reduce cavities on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They can continue protecting teeth for years, although they should be checked during regular dental visits to make sure they remain intact.

Sealants are especially valuable because the deep grooves of molars can be difficult for children to clean completely, even when they are brushing regularly.

Does Getting a Dental Sealant Hurt?

Placing a sealant is generally a simple procedure.

The tooth is cleaned and prepared, the sealant material is placed into the grooves, and the material is allowed to set or is hardened with a curing light, depending on the material being used.

Because healthy tooth structure generally does not need to be drilled away to place a preventive sealant, the process is typically well tolerated by children.

Does My Child Need Sealants If They Brush Well?

Possibly. Good brushing is essential, but even a child who brushes carefully may have deep grooves in the back teeth that are difficult for toothbrush bristles to reach.

Sealants provide an additional layer of protection in those areas. They do not replace brushing and flossing — they complement good home care.

Do Sealants Replace Fluoride?

No. Sealants and fluoride protect teeth in different ways.

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Sealants physically cover vulnerable pits and grooves on chewing surfaces.

Depending on your child’s needs, a preventive dental plan may include fluoride toothpaste, professional fluoride treatment, dental sealants, regular examinations and good home care.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Sealants can protect teeth for several years, but they do not necessarily last forever.

During regular dental examinations, the dentist can check whether a sealant is still intact. If part of it has worn away or been lost, the dentist can determine whether it should be repaired or replaced.

Which Children May Benefit Most From Sealants?

Sealants may be especially worth considering for children whose back teeth have deep grooves or who have an increased risk of developing cavities.

Your dentist may consider factors such as:

• Previous cavities or current signs of tooth decay

• Deep pits and grooves in the chewing surfaces

• How effectively the child is able to clean the back teeth

• Diet and other cavity-risk factors

• Which permanent teeth have erupted

Ask About Sealants at Your Child’s Next Dental Visit

You do not need to decide on your own whether your child needs sealants. At a regular dental examination, the dentist can look at your child’s molars and determine whether sealants may provide useful additional protection.

This becomes especially important as the first and second permanent molars begin to appear.

Dental Sealants for Kids Near Beaverton

If you live in Beaverton, Cedar Hills or the surrounding Portland area and are wondering whether your child may benefit from dental sealants, Cedar Hills Dental Care can evaluate your child’s teeth and discuss the appropriate preventive care.

Christine Chin, DMD earned her D.M.D. from OHSU in 1989 and has more than 35 years of dental experience. Cedar Hills Dental Care has cared for more than 10,000 smiles since 1986, with an emphasis on comfortable, patient-centered dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental sealants only for children?

No. Sealants can sometimes benefit teenagers and adults as well. They are especially commonly used in children and adolescents because protecting newly erupted permanent molars can help prevent cavities during cavity-prone years.

Can a tooth with an early cavity still be sealed?

In some situations, sealants can be used over early, non-cavitated decay on the chewing surface to help stop progression. The dentist must examine the tooth and determine whether a sealant is appropriate.

Should every permanent molar automatically be sealed?

Not necessarily. Your dentist can evaluate each tooth and your child’s overall cavity risk to recommend the preventive care that makes sense for your child.

Recommended Reading for Parents

Does My Child Have a Cavity? Signs Parents Should Watch For →

Learn what tooth decay can look and feel like in children and when to have a tooth examined.

Children’s Dentistry at Cedar Hills Dental Care →

Learn more about preventive dental care and healthy smiles as children grow.

Dental Exams & Professional Cleanings →

Learn why regular dental examinations are an important part of cavity prevention.

Dental Sealants at Cedar Hills Dental Care →

Learn more about the dental sealant service offered at Cedar Hills Dental Care.