Dental Sealants Shield Kids from Tooth Decay

A dentist can protect your child’s teeth from decay and cavities with an invisible plastic coating called a dental sealant.¹ The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend sealants as powerful weapons in our arsenal against decay.^1,3

Sealants are usually applied to the chewing surface of back teeth, filling the tiny grooves and pits where bacteria often lodge, and where most children’s and teens’ cavities develop.⁴ If bacteria can’t penetrate a tooth’s enamel, they can’t multiply and cause decay.² Recent research shows that sealants not only protect healthy teeth, but also can actually stop decay in its beginning stages, preventing future cavities.¹

Applying a sealant can have the most benefits when your child’s second, or permanent, molars have just erupted—before they have a chance to begin to decay. Most children’s second molars appear at about age 12.⁴

Applying the sealant is a quick and simple process. There is very little discomfort, if any, and your child will be able to eat immediately afterward.¹

Your child’s sealants can last for as long as five to 10 years. They should be checked at regular dental exams and can be reapplied if necessary^.4 

¹ “Dental Sealants: Preventing and Halting Decay.” Journal of the American Dental Association. March 2008, vol. 139, p. 380.

² “Sealants.” American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/sealants.asp Accessed 2008.

³ “Oral Health Policies: Policy on Third-Party Reimbursement of Fees Related to Dental Sealants.” American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 2006. www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/P_3rdPartSealants.pdf Accessed 2008.

⁴ “Dental Sealants.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Oral Health, September 10, 2008.www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/publications/factsheets/sealants_faq.htm Accessed 2008.