WatchDental Sealants

Why every parent should consider dental sealants for their kids

The deep pits and grooves on the chewing surface of your child's back teeth, the molars, are nearly impossible to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, which is exactly why those teeth are the most common spot for childhood cavities. Dental sealants close that gap with a simple, brushed-on coating that lasts for years.

This video shows exactly how dental sealants are applied. The process is quick: the tooth is cleaned and dried, a thin layer of liquid resin is brushed into the grooves, and a special light hardens it. No drilling is involved and anesthesia is generally not needed. The tooth needs to be kept clean and dry while the sealant is applied and set.

The payoff is well documented. According to the American Dental Association, children with sealants have significantly fewer cavities in their back teeth than those without. That protective layer lasts many years and can be reapplied as needed, and preventing decay avoids the restorative treatment a cavity would otherwise need.

Timing matters: sealants are usually placed shortly after the first permanent molars come in (around age 6) and again when the second molars erupt (around age 12). At Way Dental, we check sealants at every checkup and let parents know if any need touching up.

Read the video transcript