Protecting Smiles with Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a highly effective way to prevent cavities, especially in children and teenagers. Recommended by the ADA and CDC, sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, sealing off hard-to-clean pits and fissures where food and plaque often collect. This quick and painless procedure reduces cavities by an average of 75% and can protect teeth for over 10 years. Sealants are typically applied as soon as the first permanent molars erupt around age 7, with additional applications as other permanent teeth come in. They are especially beneficial during the cavity-prone years of ages 6–14 but can also help adults with decay-free teeth. Regular checkups ensure sealants remain intact, offering long-lasting protection against decay.
