Why Dental Sealants
According to the American Dental Association, brushing and flossing are the "best ways to help prevent cavities." Unfortunately, however, it is not always easy for children to reach certain areas of the mouth. This is especially true when it comes to molars or the back teeth used for chewing.
Due to the molar's location in the mouth and their rough, uneven texture, they are a common gathering place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria. Luckily, dental sealants can help. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars. They are particularly beneficial for children with gaps in between the teeth.
“Due to their location in the mouth and their rough, uneven texture, molars are a common gathering place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria.”
Sealants Can Stand Up to Sugary and Sticky Foods
As many parents are aware, kids are fond of cavity-forming foods. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages are a big hit with most kids. Children also love sticky foods like toffees, taffies, and gummy candies.
These foods attach onto teeth, and they can be difficult to brush away. Good oral hygiene is not always enough to sweep away the remains of sugary foods. As bacteria feast on sugar, these treats can set your child up for future cavities. Sealants help provide an added defense in the most vulnerable parts of a child's mouth.
“Sealants help provide an added defense in the most vulnerable parts of a child's mouth.”
Sealants Help Compensate for Poor Brushing
It can be difficult for children to keep up with their oral hygiene. Many children skip their morning tooth-brushing or forget to floss at night. Busy parents may not notice that their children are cutting corners. But over time, skipping brushing or flossing can lead to serious dental problems.
Sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, but they make it harder for bacteria and food to penetrate the enamel. They buy your child a little extra time to catch up with their oral hygiene. Dental sealants offer support to busy families with hectic schedules.
“Sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, but they make it harder for bacteria and food to penetrate the enamel.”
Dentists Across the Globe Recommend Sealants
Most dentists recommend dental sealants as they deliver promising results. The American Dental Association has found that sealants reduce the risk of molar decay by nearly 80%. According to the CDC, "school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants." This means fewer dental appointments and costly treatments for future complications.
Sealants have been used in dentistry for more than 50 years. During this period, dentists have studied the long-term effects of sealant gels. Healthline states that "School-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants." Sealants help protect a child's oral health and reduce their chances of tooth decay."p>
“There is no credible evidence that sealants are associated with health risks.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Q. How do sealants compensate for poor oral hygiene?
Q. Are sealants safe for children?
Q. How can my child benefit from dental sealants?
Q. How can dental sealants help save me money?
People Also Ask
Q. What's the right age to get sealants?
Q. What behavioral techniques do kid-friendly dentists use?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Prevention vs. Reaction
Dental sealants are one of the most popular preventative dentistry treatments available on the market. According to a recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the painless procedure prevents 80% of cavities for two years after application and protects against 50% of cavities for up to four years. They can also remain in the mouth for as long as nine years.
By preventing decay, dental sealants also effectively prevent the patient from undergoing any unnecessary, costly procedures. In fact, the CDC report found that applying sealants to approximately seven million children from low-income households could save up to a total of $300 million in dental treatment costs.
“By preventing decay, dental sealants also effectively prevent the patient from undergoing any unnecessary, costly procedures.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What makes dental sealants better than fillings?
A.Some parents balk at the upfront cost of dental sealants, deciding it would be a better choice to pay for their children's dental fillings as necessary. However, tooth decay comes with permanent damage that weakens the teeth. It also makes the teeth more susceptible to further damage. Dental sealants can help protect the teeth's natural coating.
Q.Can dental sealants replace fluoride treatments?
A.No. Dental sealants work best in conjunction with fluoride treatments, as they cannot promote tooth remineralization the way fluoride does. Together, the two can strengthen the teeth against decay.
Q.What is a dental cavity?
A.Cavities, or dental decay, are permanent holes in the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can grow larger and become infected. They occur most often in the grooves of the back teeth.
Q.What do dental sealants look like?
A.Dental sealants typically cannot be seen when your child is talking or smiling. They may be white, clear, or slightly tinted. In any case, they are designed to be discreet.
Q.When is the best time for my child to get dental sealants?
A.Dental sealants are the most effective when applied soon after permanent molars have emerged. For most children, this occurs around age six for the first molars and age 12 for the second set.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Scan here to visit Vatan Dental Group on mobile
Family Dental Terminology
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants are a solution of plastic material that we apply to the crown of the tooth to protect the areas within the ridges of teeth from infection.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that involves preventing the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Etchant
- Etchant is a gentle acid to treat the surface of a specific tooth to help the filling material stick to the tooth.
- Occlusion
- Occlusion describes the mandibular and maxillary rows of teeth meeting when the patient bites down. If a patient does not have a healthy bite, they are struggling with malocclusion.
- Overjet
- An overjet is a bite orientation that results from the maxillary central incisors (top center teeth) protruding over the mandibular central incisors (bottom front teeth); this may also be known as "buck teeth" by patients.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Pregnancy gingivitis is gingivitis that results from the common change in hormones during pregnancy that increases blood flow to the gum tissue, increasing sensitivity, irritability and swelling in the gums.
Call Us Today
Sealants can reduce your child's lifetime risk of cavities. Dental sealants offer a peace of mind for busy parents and help prevent future dental problems for their children. Let Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles help you explore the benefits of dental sealants. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment with a qualified dentist.
Request AppointmentHelpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD's Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Vatan Dental Group was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Westchester, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, Fox Hills, Hawthorne, El Segundo and Santa Monica
- CA (License #49259). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1740278662). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Vatan Dental Group on mobile