Kids will always be kids. So when kids brush their teeth, they may not remove all bacteria and food particles. Grooves in premolars and molars are narrow, which makes them hard to clean and perfect places for plaque to build up. Dental sealants add an extra layer of protection over deep grooves to keep out food, bacteria, and plaque.
What Are Dental Sealants?
They are thin plastic coatings that are painted on the surfaces of teeth to protect the enamel from plaque and decay. Plaque is produced on the teeth when starch and sugar particles (from food) mix with bacteria. Acids in the plaque can erode the tooth enamel and create a cavity.
Dental sealants are not just for kids. Babies and even adults with a high risk of tooth decay can have sealants done to prevent tooth loss. And because dental sealants are a preventive dentistry treatment, most dental insurance plans cover them.
Parents who do not have dental insurance should still consider paying for dental sealants to give them and their kids extra protection from cavities. A dental sealant treatment can cost less than dental restorations to fix cavities.
To apply a dental sealant, a dentist cleans and dries the tooth. The dentist then applies an acidic gel to roughen up the tooth’s surface so the dental sealant can stick to the tooth. The dentist then applies the sealant to the tooth and uses a laser, or UV light, to harden it.
Dental sealants can help protect teeth for up to ten years. A dentist can monitor a child’s teeth during annual check-ups in case the sealants need to be redone sooner.
Why Dental Sealants Support Long-Term Cavity Prevention
Dental sealants are especially helpful because they protect the areas of the mouth where cavities often begin first. Even with good brushing habits, the chewing surfaces of back teeth can be difficult to clean thoroughly because the grooves are small and uneven. At Radnor Dental, sealants may be recommended as part of a preventive care plan for children, teens, or adults in Radnor, PA who are more prone to cavities in these hard-to-reach areas.
When Sealants May Be Recommended
A dentist may suggest dental sealants after evaluating the shape of the teeth, the patient’s cavity history, and how easily plaque collects in the back of the mouth. Sealants are often most effective when placed before decay has a chance to develop, which is why they are commonly discussed during routine exams. Factors that may make sealants a good option include:
- Deep pits or grooves in the chewing surfaces of molars.
- A history of cavities despite regular brushing and flossing.
- Difficulty cleaning back teeth thoroughly.
- Newly erupted permanent molars in children or teens.
- A desire for added preventive protection between routine visits.
What Patients Can Expect After Sealant Placement
After dental sealants are placed, patients can usually return to normal eating and daily activities right away. The sealant may feel slightly different at first, but it should quickly feel natural as the bite adjusts. During future visits, the Radnor Dental team can check that the sealants remain smooth, secure, and effective. If part of a sealant wears down over time, it can often be repaired or replaced to help maintain protection.
Sealants work best when they are combined with consistent home care and routine dental visits. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and limiting frequent sugary snacks can all help support the protection sealants provide. For families in Radnor, PA, this preventive treatment can be a practical way to reduce the risk of cavities and help children build confidence in their oral health routines.
If you would like to learn more about dental sealants for you or your child, please call our office to make an appointment with the dentist who will answer all your questions and get you and your child on the road to better oral health.