Dental Sealants

A Cavity Fighting Tool

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to help prevent cavities. Sealants last for many years. A cavity is permanent damage to a tooth. A cavity can grow, cause pain and become infected.

Sealants are placed by a dental professional. Having sealants placed on teeth is simple and painless. Getting dental sealants is noninvasive, which makes sealants less expensive and easier to apply than fillings.

How are sealants put on teeth?

The tooth is cleaned and dried. Cotton may be placed around the tooth to keep it dry while the sealant is applied.
A solution is placed on the tooth to make the surface a little rough. This helps the sealant stick.
The tooth is rinsed off and dried again, with more cotton placed around it. The sealant is applied to the tooth and hardens in a few seconds. Sometimes a special light is used to harden the sealant.

Now the dental sealant is in place and protecting your teeth!

Why get sealants?

The most important reason to get sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Cavities (tooth decay) are one of the most common childhood diseases. Sealants can reduce cavities by 80% for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.

Fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water protects the smooth surfaces of teeth but molars need extra protection. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the molars and help keep germs and food from settling in your teeth.

Sealants need to be placed on teeth before cavities start. Sealants save time and money by preventing larger dental procedures to fix cavities. They are also painless!

What causes cavities?

The germs in your mouth cause cavities. The sugar in food and drinks is used by the germs in your mouth to make acids, which can make a cavity in the tooth.

Why do molars get cavities so easily?

The chewing surfaces of molars are uneven because they have small pits and grooves. Food and germs can get stuck and stay there a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away.

Who should get sealants?

Children should get sealants on their adult molars as soon as the teeth come in and before cavities form on the teeth. Prevention is always better than the treatment of cavities.

The first adult molars come in when a child is 5 to 7 years old. The second adult molars come in when a child is 11 to 14 years old. Other teeth with pits and grooves may also need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults could benefit from sealants.

Once applied, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years. Children ages 6 to 11 years without sealants are almost three times more likely to get cavities than children with sealants.

Should sealants be put on baby teeth?

Your dentist might suggest sealants, especially if your child’s baby teeth have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth help a child chew food, speak normally and save space for adult teeth.

Does insurance pay for sealants?

MO HealthNet (Medicaid) pays for sealants. Most dental insurance programs will pay for sealants. Check with your dental insurance company for details.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants can last up to 10 years or longer. Sealants need to be checked at regular dental check-ups. Sealants can chip or wear away. More sealant material can be added to repair sealants.

Are sealants new?

No, sealants have been around since the 1960s. Studies show that sealants are safe and effective at preventing cavities.

How to get dental sealants for children

Ask your dentist to apply sealants when adult molars have come in.
Some schools partner with dental professionals to provide sealants in schools. Ask your child’s school if it has a dental professional or sealant program. If they do, sign your child up to participate.
Some local health departments have dental professionals. Check with your local public health department.

If you need to find a dentist, use the search option at MO HealthNet, Clinic Locator for Medicaid and Sliding Fee Dental Services or Insure Kids Now Dentist Locator.

Learn more about sealants

Topic Menu

A Cavity Fighting Tool