Sealants

The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your child's mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The deep and varied crevices in these teeth make it easy for food particles to hide, and it can be difficult to keep these teeth clean, even with regular brushing. Your child's dentist might recommend sealants to prevent cavities and avoid the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.

Sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants smooth out the teeth, making them easier to brush, and create a protective barrier so food and bacteria cannot penetrate the tooth.

Because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, placing a sealant is painless and does not routinely require anesthetic. After the tooth is cleaned and dried, an acidic gel is placed on the tooth to prepare it for the sealant. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off, the sealant is applied onto the grooves of the tooth, and a special blue light is used to harden it.

Sealants can last up to ten years and require minimal care — just regular brushing and flossing. They can occasionally become loose, but can easily be reapplied during a dental appointment.

Sealants can reduce tooth decay by up to 70%, and are a great way to prevent the need for expensive restorative treatment later in life.