Dental sealants are one of the simplest preventive treatments in children’s dentistry. They take a few minutes per tooth, involve no drilling or needles, and help protect the teeth where children get cavities most often. This guide explains what sealants are, when children should get them, how the appointment goes, and common questions parents ask.
What sealants are
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) describes sealants as thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from tooth decay. The ADA’s MouthHealthy site adds that they can be made from plastic or other dental materials and adhere to the chewing surface.
Why back teeth need extra protection
Molars have rough, uneven chewing surfaces with pits and grooves. NIDCR explains that food and germs can get stuck in those grooves and stay there, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach to the bottom of them. A sealant fills in the grooves so food has nowhere to lodge.
The ADA states that sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. It also notes they are not a substitute for brushing and flossing; they work alongside daily care and fluoride.
When to get sealants
Timing follows tooth eruption. According to NIDCR:
- First permanent molars come in around age 6.
- Second permanent molars come in around age 12.
NIDCR recommends getting sealants on permanent molars as soon as they come in, because the sooner they are placed, the less chance decay has to start. Your child’s dentist may also suggest sealing other teeth with deep grooves, including baby molars in some cases. The ADA notes that adults can benefit from sealants too, though the earlier they are placed, the better.
How sealants are applied
The ADA describes a quick, painless process:
- The tooth is cleaned and dried.
- An acidic gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds to roughen it slightly so the sealant bonds well.
- The gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again.
- The sealant is painted into the grooves as a liquid.
- A special blue light hardens it.
Children can usually eat normally right afterward. Some say the tooth feels a little different at first while the tongue gets used to the smooth surface.
Can sealants go over early decay?
Yes, in some cases. The ADA says sealants can be placed over areas of early decay to prevent further damage, and because some sealants are clear, the dentist can keep watching the tooth. A tooth with a real cavity needs to be treated first.
Are sealants safe?
Parents often ask about BPA. The ADA states that sealants contain a tiny amount of BPA, but not enough to cause harm, and that people get more exposure from everyday contact with things such as receipts, cosmetics or dust. Apart from a possible allergy, the ADA says there are no known side effects. If your child has allergies, mention them before treatment.
How long sealants last
The ADA notes that sealants often last several years before they need reapplying. At routine visits, the dentist checks whether they are intact and can repair or replace them. That is one reason regular checkups matter for kids; see how often to see the dentist.
Where to get sealants
NIDCR notes that sealants can be placed at a dental office, a community health clinic, or sometimes through a school sealant program. If you do not have a regular dentist for your child, our guide to pediatric vs. general dentists can help you choose, and our dentist directory lists practices by state and city.
Cost and coverage
NIDCR says some medical insurance, including Medicaid, and almost all dental insurance pay for sealants, and advises checking your plan for details such as age limits and which teeth are covered. Many plans treat sealants as preventive care. We do not quote a price because fees vary and we have not found a reliable national figure; ask the office for an estimate per tooth. If your family relies on Medicaid or CHIP, see finding a dentist that accepts Medicaid.
The IRS lists the application of sealants as a preventive dental expense that can count as a medical expense (IRS Publication 502), which is relevant if you pay with an HSA or FSA.
Sealants are one part of prevention
Sealants protect chewing surfaces, but cavities also form between teeth and along the gumline. Pair sealants with:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, which NIDCR recommends alongside sealants.
- Professional fluoride treatments if the dentist recommends them; see our guide to fluoride treatments.
- Limiting sugary drinks and frequent snacking.
- Regular dental checkups.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should my child get sealants?
NIDCR recommends sealing permanent molars as soon as they come in, around age 6 for first molars and around age 12 for second molars.
Do sealants hurt?
No. The ADA describes the process as quick and painless, with no drilling or numbing needed.
How long do sealants last?
The ADA says they often last several years. Your dentist checks them at regular visits and can reapply them.
Do sealants contain BPA?
The ADA says sealants contain a tiny amount of BPA, not enough to cause harm.
Does insurance cover sealants?
NIDCR says almost all dental insurance and some medical insurance, including Medicaid, pay for sealants. Check your plan’s age and tooth limits.
Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels
Sources
- NIH / NIDCR – Dental Sealants
- ADA MouthHealthy – Sealants
- IRS Publication 502 – Medical and Dental Expenses
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
