Language Assistance  ñ En español

Dental Health Risks

Dental Sealants

Children without sealants have almost 3X more cavities.1

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States – yet it is preventable. Combined with a good oral care regimen, sealants have been shown to reduce tooth decay by more than 80 percent.1

Sealants can shield teeth from decay

Even with frequent brushing, it is sometimes hard to remove food and plaque from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (the molars or premolars). Dental sealants are safe plastic-like materials that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the surface of the tooth by filling the pits and grooves so germs and food particles cannot get trapped in the tooth – preventing future decay from forming. Sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities in teeth where 90 percent of cavities occur — back teeth (molars).1

Tooth decay is most likely to occur shortly after teeth come into the mouth, making children great candidates for sealants. The teeth most at risk are the permanent molars, so it is strongly recommended that sealants be placed on these teeth as soon as they erupt. The permanent molars usually erupt when a child is 6 years old, and then again at 12 years old.

Sealants are painless, safe and easy to apply

Sealants are durable and can last years before a replacement is necessary. Dental sealants not only help prevent tooth decay, they keep smiles healthy by avoiding restorative dental procedures. Dental sealants have been used safely for more than 50 years.

Talk to your dentist about avoiding tooth decay and whether sealants can make your child's preventive program even stronger. Only you and your dentist can determine what is right for your child. Check your plan benefits for coverage information.

Here are some other ways to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush after every meal
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Avoid sticky, sugary snacks
  • Visit the dentist regularly
  1. Centers for Disease Control website (July 2020)
  • Author: Dr. Custer, BLUE Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
  • Last updated: 4/28/2021
l