Why Back Teeth Need Extra Protection
Children's molars have deep pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces where food and bacteria easily become trapped. Even with excellent brushing, toothbrush bristles often can't reach into these tiny crevices to clean them effectively.
These grooves are where the majority of childhood cavities occur. Dental sealants fill in these vulnerable areas, creating a smooth surface that's easy to clean and prevents bacteria from settling in and causing decay.
How Sealants Work
Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored coatings made from safe, BPA-free materials. When applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, they bond directly to the enamel and act as a physical barrier against cavity-causing bacteria and acids.
The sealant material flows into all the tiny grooves and pits, then hardens to create a protective shield.
Once in place, sealants can prevent cavities for years, making them one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments available in pediatric dentistry.
The Sealant Application Process
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or anesthesia. At our Pickering office, the process typically takes just a few minutes per tooth.
We start by cleaning the tooth thoroughly and drying it completely. A gentle etching solution is applied briefly to help the sealant bond securely. After rinsing and drying again, we paint the sealant material onto the tooth and use a special light to harden it. Your child can eat and drink normally immediately after.
When to Get Sealants
The ideal time to apply sealants is soon after permanent molars come in, before cavities have a chance to develop. The first permanent molars typically appear around age six, and the second permanent molars around age twelve.
We may also recommend sealants for primary molars in children with high cavity risk, as protecting these baby teeth helps maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth.
Our Pickering pediatric dentists will examine your child's teeth and recommend sealants when the timing is right. We monitor sealed teeth at every checkup and can reapply sealant if wear occurs over time.
Families throughout Durham Region, including Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough, choose Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces for preventive care including dental sealants that keep children's smiles cavity-free.
