Sealing out disease-causing substances for a cavity-free checkup: FAQs about dental sealants
Investing in dental sealants is one of the best things you can do for your children’s dental health. And guess what? It’s really not much of an investment at all. As a preventive dentistry service, these thin coatings on the back teeth fit well into all budgets and are often covered by most dental insurance plans. Sink your teeth into some of the many benefits of this staple of pediatric dental care.
What are dental sealants?
The dentists at Farhoumand Dentistry in Vienna & Tysons Corner, Virginia, apply these coverings to the premolars and molars at the back. They are made from safe, non-toxic materials. Once applied, these coatings “seal out” disease-causing substances. Such substances include stubborn food particles, sticky plaque (and its hardened form, tartar), and harmful oral bacteria. When these substances are kept out of your child’s teeth, we reduce their risk factors for developing the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and periodontal/gum disease.
Can they be applied to other teeth?
Dental sealants are designed for the chewing surfaces of the backmost teeth. The vast majority of cavities originate in these teeth. Their locations make them more susceptible to cavities. Their surfaces are also uneven and jagged. So, they tend to trap all of the “bad stuff” mentioned in our answer to the previous question.
Maintain a Healthy Smile with Dental sealants
Give your child a head start on lifelong oral health with dental sealants from Farhoumand Dentistry in Tysons Corner, VA. Doctors applies protective sealants to children’s teeth, creating a strong barrier against cavities in hard-to-reach areas. This quick, painless procedure helps reduce decay and keeps smiles healthy. Call (703) 636-2442 or schedule online at Farhoumand Dentistry today. Sealants are one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect young teeth.
Book an Appointment NowAre they just for children?
No. With that being said, sealants are most commonly associated with pediatric patients. There are several reasons for this. First, the first molars tend to erupt at around the age of six. By applying sealants as soon as the teeth come in, there is no opportunity for food to become trapped. When the lingering food debris is removed, the process of these particles combining with bacteria to produce plaque and destructive acids is avoided. Also, children may be particularly challenged to properly clean these teeth due to the mismatch between the size of their mouths and the locations of the molars/premolars. This is a challenge made even more difficult as kids may just be acquiring the motor skills necessary to brush their teeth on their own. Sealants can be a real ally in the fight against early childhood tooth decay!
Sealants for Children FAQs
What exactly are dental sealants for kids?
A dental sealant is a coating applied to the chewing surface of a tooth. The coating is thin so that it does not create any discomfort when applied. Sealants are popular with children for their molars because these areas have natural grooves that trap food and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities. The sealant acts like a shield, covering these grooves and preventing decay before it starts. While brushing and flossing remain essential, sealants give children an extra layer of protection, especially during the years when they are still developing effective oral hygiene habits.
Why should my child get dental sealants?
Children are at higher risk for cavities because their teeth can be harder to clean thoroughly, and their enamel is often still developing. Even with careful brushing, the deep pits of molars can trap plaque that leads to decay. Sealants significantly reduce this risk, helping children avoid painful cavities and more invasive procedures like fillings or crowns. They are a simple, preventive step that can save time, money, and discomfort later, while supporting long-term dental health.
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Yes, sealants are completely safe and widely recommended by dental professionals. The material used is durable, non-toxic, and blends naturally with teeth. The process is painless, quick, and non-invasive, requiring no drilling or removal of tooth structure. Many children appreciate that the application only takes a few minutes per tooth, and parents can feel confident knowing it provides significant protection against cavities.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants generally last between five and ten years, depending on a child’s oral habits and diet. Dentists check them at each routine visit to ensure they remain intact, and any worn or chipped sealant can be reapplied. With proper care, sealants can protect molars through the most cavity-prone years of childhood and early adolescence, helping maintain healthy teeth until the next set of adult teeth comes in.
Does my child still need to brush and floss with sealants?
Yes. Sealants cover only the chewing surfaces of teeth and do not protect between teeth or along the gumline. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and maintaining healthy eating habits are still critical. Sealants are designed to complement these efforts, not replace them, giving children a strong combination of protection at home and at the dentist.
Will dental insurance cover sealants?
Many dental insurance plans consider sealants as preventive care, so they often cover the cost fully or partially for children. Even for families without insurance, sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent future dental work and avoid the discomfort and expense of treating cavities. Discussing coverage with your dentist’s office helps ensure you know your options ahead of time.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Dentists usually recommend placing sealants soon after permanent molars erupt. The first molars generally appear around age six or seven, and the second molars around age twelve. Applying sealants at these times offers protection right from the start, reducing the risk of cavities during the years when teeth are most vulnerable. Sealants are especially helpful for children who may not brush or floss perfectly or have a higher risk of tooth decay.
How do you place sealants?
Sealants can be seamlessly incorporated into your child's next dental checkup. There is no special pre- or post-care. There is also no need for numbing because the process is painless. We start by cleaning and then drying the teeth. A special solution is also applied to support the strongest bond between the sealant material and the tooth. Then, the sealant is painted or brushed on as a liquid. Once it has seeped into the nooks and crannies of the teeth, a curing light is used to harden it. And that's it!
If you haven't scheduled your child's checkup at Farhoumand Dentistry yet, do so today! Call our team in Vienna & Tysons Corner, VA, at (703) 636-2442.
