Dental Sealants for Kids and Adults: An Easy Way to Help Prevent Cavities

Dental sealants aren’t just for kids!

Have you ever thought about what causes cavities? You probably assume it’s things like not brushing your teeth every day, drinking too much soda, or enjoying too many candy bars. And though these factors all contribute, there are other reasons people get cavities, especially in the back molars. Those teeth are hard to reach, and the deep grooves on them create the perfect environment for trapping food and bacteria. 

So, what do you do to protect those teeth from painful cavities? The solution is often dental sealants. We like to think of sealants like superheroes. No, we’re not talking about Superman or Captain America. Rather, we’re talking about a thin, protective coating that covers the chewing surfaces (think of it as an invisible cape) and reduces the risk of cavities. 

And, while dental sealants are typically recommended for kids and teens, adults can get them, too. In this article, we’ll give you more insights into what dental sealants are and why you might want to consider them for your family’s smiles. 

What Dental Sealants Actually Do

We alluded to dental sealants being like a superhero’s cape. Why is that? Well, think of those old Superman movies (or some of the new ones). Every once in a while, Superman would protect a would-be victim with his cape. That was all it took for him to save the day, and everyone went off on their merry way. Right?

Well, dental sealants really do work in a similar way to a cape. Once a sealant is placed on the tooth, it acts as a shield between your enamel and the things that can cause decay. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria have a much harder time settling into those tiny grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of your molars.

That matters because even people with great brushing habits can miss those hard-to-clean areas. Dental sealants help create a flatter, more protected surface, which can reduce the risk of cavities over time. And unlike an actual superhero movie, there’s no dramatic rescue scene involved. The process is quick, painless, and done right in the dental chair.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

As your dentist in Mystic, Connecticut, we typically suggest that kids get sealants as soon as their primary molars come in, around age 6 or 7. Then, we recommend sealants again when those secondary molars come in, typically between ages 11 and 13 (it all depends on when those molars appear).

But dental sealants aren’t just for your young kids. Teenagers who seem to get cavities no matter how carefully they brush may also be great candidates. During the teenage years, busy schedules, sports, braces, and snacking habits can all make it harder to keep molars fully clean.

Adults can benefit from sealants too, especially if they have deep grooves in their teeth or early signs of wear. In many cases, sealants provide an additional layer of protection before small problem areas develop into larger cavities that require fillings or crowns.

How the Dental Sealant Process Works 

Obviously, we love dental sealants because of their effectiveness. Studies show that dental sealants can help prevent up to 80% of cavities over two years in the back teeth, which is where most cavities happen in the first place. Since nearly 9 out of 10 cavities develop in those hard-to-clean molars, adding extra protection can make a big difference.

Another reason patients love dental sealants is that the process is fast and comfortable. There’s no drilling, no recovery time, and the appointment usually takes just a few minutes per tooth.

• We gently clean and dry the tooth before placing the sealant
• We apply a special solution to help the sealant bond to the chewing surface
• A thin coating is carefully painted onto the tooth
• A curing light hardens the sealant in seconds
• Once finished, you can get right back to school, work, or normal daily activities

It really is that easy. 

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Okay, at this point, you get it. Dental sealants are very effective, and the procedure is quick and painless. So, before we wrap up, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about the benefits of sealants for kids (and adults, too).

Helps lower the risk of cavities in hard-to-clean molars

• Quick and painless treatment with no numbing or recovery time
• Can help families avoid future fillings and dental work
• Adds extra protection for both kids and adults
• Long-lasting coverage when checked during routine dental visits

How to Make Dental Sealants Last 

We feel like we’re full of good news when it comes to talking about dental sealants. We’ve already discussed how effective they are and how easy they are to get. But we’re also excited to share that dental sealants can last about five to ten years, especially when you practice good oral care at home and make regular visits to the dentist. 

Here’s what to do to make sure dental sealants last as long as possible and do their job in cavity prevention:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Visit your dentist in Mystic, Connecticut every six months for a professional dental cleaning
• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat tooth-healthy foods (yes, that means plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich snacks)
• Avoid using your teeth as tools (head to your toolbox when you need to open something)

And here’s the thing. Everything we said above? That’s what you should be doing every day to help protect your teeth, gums, and that beautiful smile. That makes taking care of your dental sealants super easy.

Ask Dr. Flanagan About Dental Sealants For Your Smile 

We’re big advocates of dental sealants for kids. So, if your child is one of our patients, we’ll be sure to recommend this general dentistry treatment when their molars come in. And if we think you, as an adult, can benefit, we will suggest the treatment to you, too.

That said, if you aren’t currently one of our patients and you’re looking for a new dental home, why not make an appointment? We’ll be happy to talk to you about dental sealants and all the other things you can do to protect that smile. Get an appointment on the calendar today.