Tooth Sealants For Kids

Dental sealants are a thin protective resin coating that is painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, the areas most prone to cavities. Once applied, the resin hardens and forms a durable barrier that seals out food, plaque, bacteria, and the acids that cause tooth decay. The application is quick, painless, and requires no anesthesia. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, sealants are one of the most effective preventive tools Dr. Kelly Jobe recommends for protecting children’s teeth.

The molars and premolars in the back of the mouth have deep pits and grooves in their chewing surfaces, called fissures, that are particularly good at trapping bacteria and food particles. These crevices are so small and narrow that even thorough brushing cannot always reach them. Because baby enamel is also thinner and more porous than adult enamel, children are especially vulnerable to decay forming in these areas. A child’s first permanent back molars typically come in around age six, which is when cavity risk increases significantly.

Very effective. According to the CDC, school-age children without sealants have nearly three times as many cavities as children who have them. Research shows that sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay in back teeth by about 70 percent. They are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments available, often significantly reducing the need for fillings, crowns, and other more involved procedures down the road.

The best time to apply sealants is shortly after the back teeth come in, before any decay has a chance to develop. The first permanent molars typically arrive around age six, and the second permanent molars come in around age twelve. Getting sealants applied as soon as these teeth erupt gives them protection right from the start. Dr. Jobe will let you know during your child’s checkup when sealants are appropriate based on your child’s specific tooth development.

Yes, dental sealants are completely safe for children and are endorsed by both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Some parents have questions about BPA, a chemical found in certain older sealant materials. The BPA levels in dental sealants have not been shown to cause any adverse health effects, and most modern sealants are now BPA-free. The protection sealants provide against decay far outweighs any concerns, and the application process is entirely non-invasive.

Not at all. Sealant application is one of the most comfortable procedures in pediatric dentistry. There are no needles, no drilling, and no anesthesia required. The tooth surface is cleaned, a conditioning liquid is applied briefly, and then the sealant material is painted on and hardened with a curing light. The whole process takes only a few minutes per tooth and most children do not mind it at all.

With normal chewing, dental sealants can last up to ten years. Dr. Jobe checks the condition of your child’s sealants at every routine checkup and will reapply them if any areas show signs of wear or chipping. Staying consistent with twice-yearly visits at our St. Louis office is the best way to make sure sealants continue doing their job and that any areas needing attention are caught early.

Sealants are applied during a regular dental visit and can often be done at the same appointment as a cleaning and exam. If you would like to find out whether your child is ready for sealants, or if you have any questions about preventive dental care, call Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry at (314) 270-5817 or book an appointment online. Our office is located at 9735 Landmark Parkway Dr., Suite 16, St. Louis, MO 63127.