If you're a parent, you've probably asked yourself: Do my kids really need dental sealants? Especially if they’re good about brushing. It’s a fair question, and one we hear often at Dental Care of Lucas. Here's what Dr. Joseph Brier wants you to know before your child’s next check-up.
Do Kids Really Need Dental Sealants?
Quick Answer: Yes - sealants help protect back teeth from cavities by sealing deep grooves that are hard to clean with brushing alone. Even kids with good hygiene can benefit, and many insurance plans cover them. Sealants are a simple, protective layer applied to the grooves of your child’s back teeth. They block food and bacteria from settling into hard-to-clean spots, where most cavities in kids tend to start. Even with good brushing, sealants can help prevent up to 80% of decay in molars.
Why Sealants Make Sense - Even for Kids Who Brush Well
Back teeth, especially those first permanent molars, often have deep pits and grooves that trap food and bacteria. Even when kids are brushing regularly, toothbrush bristles don’t always reach into those narrow crevices.
Sealants act like a raincoat for those vulnerable areas. The material flows into the grooves and is then cured with a blue light, hardening into a nearly invisible shield. The process is:
- Completely painless
- Quick - just a few minutes per tooth
- Done without any shots, drilling, or discomfort
What Parents Should Know
- Protection kicks in immediately. Once the sealant hardens, it starts guarding against acids and plaque right away.
- They’re low-risk and long-lasting. Most sealants last several years and are checked routinely during dental visits.
- Cost-effective. Preventing a cavity now can save time, money, and your child’s comfort later. Plus, many dental plans cover sealants at little to no cost.
Are Sealants Really Necessary?
Dr. Brier believes in prevention wherever possible, and sealants are one of the simplest ways to protect a child’s smile. They’re especially helpful for:
- Kids prone to cavities
- Newly erupted molars (typically around age 6 and again around age 12)
- Families looking to avoid unnecessary dental work down the line
Sealants usually last for several years, and we check them during every routine visit. With good brushing habits and fewer sticky snacks, they often stay strong well into the teen years.
If a cavity does develop despite sealants, treatments like root canal therapy or crowns may be needed, though we do our best to help your child avoid those steps entirely.
The Bottom Line
Even with great brushing, sealants offer an added layer of defense, something that can make all the difference during those early cavity-prone years. It’s a quick step that could save your child from future dental work, and for most families, it’s covered by insurance.
Still unsure if sealants are right for your child? At Dental Care of Lucas, Dr. Joseph Brier is happy to take a look and give you a personalized recommendation.