Health Library

Dental Sealants: An Investment in Oral Health

Who Should Get Sealants? | How Is It Done? | Are Sealants Worth the Price? | What Are Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay?

Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. By covering the chewing surfaces of the molars, sealants keep out the germs and food that cause decay. They can be put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools.

Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth, a process that is simple and painless. They are clear or tinted (tinted sealants are easier to see).

Who Should Get Sealants?

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in, before decay sets in. The first permanent molars come in between ages 5-7. The second permanent molars (12-year molars) come in between ages 11-14. Other teeth with pits and grooves—called premolars or bicuspids—which are located right in front of the molars, can also be sealed. Teenagers and adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Your dentist might also recommend having your child’s baby teeth sealed, especially if they have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth play an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, making it even more important to keep these teeth healthy so they do not fall out early.

How Is It Done?

The tooth is cleaned and dried, and cotton or other material is used to keep the tooth dry. An acidic solution is put on the tooth to roughen the surface so the sealant can stick. The tooth is then rinsed and dried. The sealant hardens in a few seconds after a liquid application or exposure to a special light. If a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant, decay won't spread because it is sealed off from food and germs.

Are Sealants Worth the Price?

Sealants can last up to 10 years, but they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. More sealant material can be added to repair chips or worn sealants.

Having sealants put on healthy teeth now will save you money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth. The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Healthy teeth can last a lifetime. Also, researchers are becoming increasingly aware of the connection between tooth decay and other serious diseases in the body (for example, heart disease, premature birth). Maintaining healthy teeth is now believed to be an important part of maintaining good general health. Many insurance companies pay for sealants. Check with your company for details.

What Are Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay?

Brush teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.

Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks.
Drink fluoridated water.
See a dentist regularly. Ask about sealants.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

http://www.aapd.org/

American Dental Association

http://www.ada.org/

Canadian Dental Association

http://www.cda-adc.ca/

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association

http://www.cdha.ca/

Decay. American Dental Association Mouth Healthy website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/decay.aspx. Accessed August 31, 2012.

Dental caries. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated July 26, 2012. Accessed August 31, 2012.

Dental sealants. American Dental Association Mouth Healthy website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants.aspx. Accessed August 31, 2012.

Dental sealants in children (age 6 to 11). The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/DentalSealants/Children. Updated March 25, 2011. Accessed August 31, 2012.

Oral health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/doh.htm. Updated July 29, 2011. Accessed August 31, 2012.

Seal out tooth decay. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/ToothDecay/SealOutToothDecay.htm. Updated August 30, 2011. Accessed August 31, 2012.

Last reviewed August 2012 by Brian P. Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.