You may have heard of a dental treatment called sealants— especially if you have taken a child to the dentist recently. But you might not know what they are, how they work, or if sealants are worth it. We will explain how this common dental treatment can help build a strong foundation for a healthy smile in both kids and adults.
How Sealants Protect Teeth
Molars—the teeth near the back of your mouth— are designed to be effective tools for grinding food. That’s why they are full of rough, uneven surfaces with grooves called pits and fissures. Unfortunately, these grooves make great places for food particles to hide.
Even the most dedicated brusher can’t always get rid of all of the buildup that settles into those tiny crevices. When bacteria come into contact with those hidden food particles, acid forms that can eat away at your teeth, causing holes—also known as cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 9 out of 10 cavities form in the back teeth.
Sealants are made from a liquid resin. After cleaning the teeth, the dentist applies this thin plastic coating to the surface of the molars. As the resin hardens on the teeth, it forms a protective barrier between the tooth and food particles, blocking out bacteria and decay. The process of getting dental sealants is painless and doesn’t take long. You should be able to chew normally as soon as you leave the dentist’s office.
Do Sealants Work?
Research shows that sealants are highly effective at minimizing tooth decay. The CDC has found that over a 2-year time span, sealants applied to permanent molars can reduce the risk of cavities by 80%. And in fact, one report found that school-age children without sealants developed almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.
However, sealants are most effective when combined with a vigilant oral hygiene regimen. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Are Sealants Safe?
If you have heard that sealants are unsafe because they contain BPA, consider this: The amount of BPA in dental sealants is vastly smaller than the amount that you come into contact with on a daily basis through dust, the thermal paper used for receipts, and simply breathing the air. There is about 0.001 percent BPA in sealants, compared with 0.13 percent in the air and 2 percent in receipts, according to the ADA. Sealants also have no known side effects from these trace amounts.
Who Can Get Sealants?
Dentists recommend sealants for those most at risk of developing cavities. This includes:
- Young children, who are still developing good brushing and flossing techniques and habits.
- Teenagers, who tend to consume sugary foods and drinks.
- Adults with deep grooves in their molars, or those with early decay in molars.
Sealants are most effective when applied soon after the adult molars come in. The first molars usually come in around age 6, and the second molars come in when kids are about 12. However, even those who still have baby teeth can get sealants to prevent early cavities.
Are Sealants Worth It?
Sealants do an excellent job of preserving oral health, making them well worth it if your dentist has recommended them. Sealants are not expensive, since most dental insurance plans cover them up to age 18 as a preventive service. The procedure is not painful, and once they are in place, sealants can last up to 10 years with proper oral hygiene.
The bottom line is that sealants are a safe, effective, pain-free way to provide your child or yourself with extra protection against cavities. Find a dentist near you who can apply sealants.