Sealants are a safe and painless way to protect your child’s back teeth from decay. Sealants have been used on children’s teeth for more than ten years. A thin plastic coating is sealed to the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars. This plastic forms a hard protective shield that keeps the food and bacteria that causes cavities from getting into the tiny grooves in the the teeth.

Why should your child have sealants?

The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have tiny grooves and pits that form as the tooth develops. Decay often occurs in these tiny grooves and pits because the toothbrush is unable to reach these areas properly.

Which teeth should be sealed?

Usually only the permanent molars are sealed, but sealants may be used on any tooth with deep grooves and pits. The dental hygienist will make this decision based on your child’s needs.

When should your child get sealants?

Sealants should be applied as soon as the first permanent molars (6 year molars) come in, usually between 5 and 7 years of age, and the second permanent molars, usually between the ages of 10 and 12 years. This is because the greatest chance of decay occurs during the first year after the teeth come in.

How are sealants placed?

Generally, all the molars can be sealed in one 30 minute visit. The teeth are cleaned, dried and prepared so that the sealant will “stick” to the teeth. The sealant is then painted on the surface.

The sealant is carefully checked to make sure that the grooves are fully covered and that the sealant does not interfere with chewing. As it hardens, the sealant bonds or sticks to the tooth, therefore, your child is able to eat normally right away.

HOW LONG DO SEALANTS LAST?

Sealants can last for many years. If they chip or come off, they can be easily replaced. As long as sealants are properly in place, decay can not develop in the grooves. You can help the life of a sealant by encouraging your child not to chew on hard things such as ice cubes or sticky candy.

Sealants protect only the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – they do not take the place of regular brushing and flossing. Help your child prevent cavities by ….

• brushing and flossing daily to remove plaque and keep gums healthy,
• having regular fluoride treatments to keep teeth stong,
• visiting the Health Unit regularly to have check-ups to detect early problems,
• Eating a healthy diet to help reduce the risk of tooth decay, by limiting foods that are high in sugars, such as pop, cookies and sweetened cereals

Follow up

The hygienist will check the sealants at each check-up. Problems are rare and most always can be corrected.