Some people seem more prone to cavities than others. Even when they follow the best practices of brushing and flossing, their checkups frequently and frustratingly reveal tooth decay.
For patients who are susceptible to cavities, for any reason, we often recommend dental sealants for the chewing surfaces of the back molars, the teeth most likely to be affected. The American Dental Association has determined that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by as much as 80%, and the Centers for Disease Control, citing the importance of sealants for school-age children, reports that kids without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with them.
What are sealants?
Many dental professionals liken them to “raincoats for the teeth.” They are thin, protective coatings that bond with the teeth to form a barrier against the bacteria that cause decay, helping prevent cavities the way raincoats help keep you dry. They are applied in the dental office, usually by a hygienist under the dentist’s supervision. Most sealants are clear, so the dentist can continue to monitor the health of your teeth.
How do sealants work?
We all have grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of our teeth, and bacteria that get caught in them can cause decay. Brushing and flossing help clean out these indentations but often don’t get deep enough. Sealants flow into the narrow fissures that brushes can’t reach and cover them with a protective layer. They also can be applied over early decay to prevent further damage.
Who should get sealants?
They work most effectively on children, but they can benefit adults, too, when they’re needed. The optimal times to apply sealants is when the first and second molars appear, around ages 6 and 12.
Does the procedure cause pain?
Children should be reassured that the application of a sealant is not similar to getting a filling. There are no shots or drilling and no pain. The sealant is brushed on top of the tooth, which does not have nerve endings. Even if there is early decay, the drilling to clean it out, if any, will be minimal. Rarely does a sealant application require numbing.
Must I have sealant applied every time I see the dentist?
Not at all. Sealants can remain protective for up to 10 years, so long as they don’t chip or wear away. Your dentist will check them at each appointment.
Some sealants contain bisphenol A (BPA). Is that a concern?
The amount of BPA from sealants is less than the amount you receive just from breathing or coming into contact with dust. There is no evidence of adverse effects from BPA in dental sealants unless the patient has a specific rare allergy to the substance.
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs recommends placing sealants on your child’s primary and permanent molars to help prevent cavities. Some dental plans will cover all or part of the costs. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover them, the procedure is not expensive, and having your child’s teeth sealed will very likely save you money on future dental bills.
