Dental Sealants for Children

How Well Do Sealants Work?

They are one of the most effective ways to protect back teeth during the years when children are most prone to cavities.

Who Should Get Sealants?

• Children when their first permanent molars come in, around age six.
• Children when their second permanent molars arrive, around age twelve.
• Teens and adults whose molars have deep grooves and no cavities.
• Children who are prone to cavities or find it hard to brush well.

The Sealant Process Step by Step

• The tooth is cleaned and dried.
• A mild solution roughens the surface so the sealant sticks.
• The sealant is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a curing light.
• We check the fit and your child's bite.

The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth and does not require freezing.

Sealants and Fluoride Together

Sealants protect the grooves, while fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel on all surfaces. Used together with regular checkups and cleanings, they give your child excellent protection against cavities.

Caring for Sealed Teeth

Sealants do not replace brushing and flossing. Children still need to brush twice a day and floss daily. We check sealants at each visit and can repair or replace them if they wear down.

Sealants and Cavities

Sealants prevent cavities but do not treat them. If a tooth already has decay, it needs a filling instead. We examine each tooth carefully before deciding whether to seal it.

Why Back Teeth Need Extra Protection

Molars do most of the chewing, and the deep grooves on their surface trap food and bacteria. Toothbrush bristles often cannot reach all the way into those grooves, which is why cavities so often start there. A sealant fills the grooves and makes them smooth and much easier to keep clean.

What If a Sealant Wears Down?

Sealants can chip or wear over time. We check them at each visit, and a worn sealant can usually be repaired or replaced quickly. If your child notices a rough spot or a piece that has come off, let us know at the next appointment.

Talking to Your Child About Sealants

Tell your child that the dentist will paint a clear coating on their teeth to keep them strong. The treatment is quick and painless, and children usually do very well. We explain each step as we go so there are no surprises.

Sealants for the Whole Family

Sealants are most often placed on children's molars, but a teen or adult with deep grooves and healthy teeth can benefit too. If you are not sure whether your own teeth are suitable, ask at your next checkup and we will examine them.

We place sealants only on healthy tooth surfaces, so your dentist examines each tooth first. If a groove already shows early decay, we explain the best way to treat it and whether a sealant or a filling is the right choice.

What Parents Often Ask

Parents often ask whether the coating is safe, whether it will feel strange and whether it changes how the teeth look. Sealants are thin and clear or tooth-coloured, most children barely notice them after a day and they are checked at every visit.

Before Your Visit

• Bring your child for a checkup so we can examine the back teeth.
• Tell us about your child's health history and allergies.
• Explain what will happen in simple words so your child feels comfortable.

After Your Treatment

• Your child can usually eat normally right after treatment.
• Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the sealant.
• Keep brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• Keep up with regular checkups so we can monitor the sealants.

Insurance, CDCP and Billing

We accept most insurances and offer direct billing, and our team can help you understand your child's coverage. Eligible children may also be covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, explained on our CDCP page.