Sealants for Your Keiki

Sealants are like a shield for your teeth. They are a thin covering painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). Sealants protect teeth by blocking plaque and bacteria from accumulating.

When applied in childhood, sealants can save a lot of money over a lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sealants can reduce cavities by up to 80% immediately and up to 60% for four years or more.

Dentists use sealants as part of the plan to ensure a healthy mouth. Getting sealants is quick, easy and painless!

Why should children get sealants?

• 90% of cavities occur in the back teeth, which do most of the chewing and are hard to reach and clean.
• Toothbrushes are not able to reach into all the grooves in teeth.
• A child’s new permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth.
• Without sealants, cavities can form, causing toothaches, infection and problems with eating, talking and learning.
• Sealants can prevent the expense and pain of treatments like fillings and crowns.
• Bacteria in the mouth can eventually affect other health problems.

How are sealants applied?

• After cleaning to prepare the surface, a thin coat of sealant material is painted onto the tooth.
• Sealants harden immediately, bonding to the tooth, and are not visible.
• There is no drilling, and numbing shots are not usually needed.
• The process is quick and painless, completed in just a few minutes per tooth.

When should sealants be applied?

• Sealants work best when applied after molars come into the mouth – around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars.
• They usually last for five to 10 years and may need to be replaced after sealants become loose or worn.
• Your dentist will check the sealants during regular visits and reapply as needed.

Are sealants right for my child?

• Check your plan document for coverage for sealants. Or contact us.
• Whichever plan you have, talk to your dentist about sealants.