Dental Sealants

Protect the teeth of your children, specifically their molars, by applying a dental sealant when they are between the ages of 5 and 7. Dental sealant is a thin layer of liquid that hardens and creates a barrier between teeth and the plaque, food particles and bacteria that collect on them and lead to decay.

Sealants are usually applied to molars because molars are vulnerable to cavities and decay for two reasons. First, molars are used to chew and are constantly exposed to food mixed with saliva. Second, molars are located in the back of the mouth and are more difficult to clean.

In children, molars begin to appear between the ages of 5 and 7, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11 and 14. It is best to have a treatment when the molars first come in to ensure those teeth are protected.

A procedure begins when an adhesive is applied to the teeth that are to be treated. The sealant is spread over the adhesive as a liquid. The liquid hardens, creating a protective barrier. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.