If you’ve ever watched your child brush, you know they try — but back teeth are tough. Those deep grooves in molars are practically designed to trap food and bacteria, even when kids brush every day. That’s why dental sealants are one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect children from cavities. At BENE Dental, your family dentist in Norwell, we often recommend sealants as a “set-it-and-forget-it” layer of defense that helps kids keep their teeth healthy as they grow.
Let’s walk through what sealants are, when kids should get them, and why they can save your child from bigger dental problems later.
Why Kids Get Cavities So Easily
Cavities happen when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches from food. That bacteria produces acids, and acids slowly weaken the enamel. Kids are more prone to cavities because:
- Their brushing skills are still developing
- They tend to rush through brushing
- Molars are harder to reach
- Sticky snacks (crackers, gummies, granola bars) cling to back teeth
Even children who brush twice daily can miss the tiny pits and grooves where decay starts. Sealants help by covering those areas before bacteria can settle in.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin, tooth-colored protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of molars. Think of them like a raincoat for teeth: they block out food and bacteria from the spots toothbrush bristles can’t fully reach.
Sealants have been used safely for decades, and the material is designed to bond to enamel and hold up to normal chewing. Once placed, most kids don’t even notice them.
How Sealants Are Applied (Quick and Painless)
One reason parents love sealants is how easy the appointment is. No drilling. No needles. No discomfort. Here’s what happens during a sealant visit at BENE Dental in Norwell:
- We clean and dry the tooth
- A gentle gel is used to prepare the surface
- The sealant is “painted” onto the grooves
- A curing light hardens it in seconds
That’s it. The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and kids usually do great because there’s nothing scary involved.
When Should Kids Get Sealants?
Sealants work best when placed as soon as permanent molars come in — before decay has a chance to start.
- First permanent molars: around age 6
- Second permanent molars: around age 12
Some children may benefit from sealants on certain baby teeth too, especially if they have deep grooves or a history of cavities. During your child’s exam, we’ll check their teeth and recommend the right timing based on their risk level.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants typically last several years. With normal chewing and brushing, they stay in place and do their job quietly in the background. At each cleaning, we:
- Check that sealants are intact
- Repair or reapply them if any wear is starting
Even if a sealant chips later on, it’s easy to fix — and far simpler than treating decay.
What Sealants Help You Avoid
Sealants are preventive care, meaning they help stop problems before they start. By reducing cavities in molars, sealants lower the chance your child will need:
- Fillings
- Crowns (caps) in Norwell for larger cavities
- Tooth extractions in Norwell in severe cases
Parents often tell us they love sealants because they save their kids from future dental stress — and save them from extra dental costs too.
Do Sealants Replace Brushing?
Not at all. Sealants are a backup shield, not a substitute. Kids still need to:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Visit for cleanings and checkups
Sealants just make it easier for kids to win the cavity-prevention game, especially in those hard-to-clean molars.
Are Sealants Covered by Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans — including MassHealth/Medicaid — cover sealants for kids because they’re considered preventive care. Even without insurance, sealants are usually affordable and cost far less than fillings or crowns later. Our team can help you understand coverage and pricing before treatment.
A Small Step Now for a Healthier Smile Later
Dental sealants are one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s teeth during the years they’re most cavity-prone. Fast appointment, no pain, long-lasting results — and a big payoff in healthier smiles.
If your child is around age 6 or 12 (or you’re not sure if their molars are ready), schedule a visit with BENE Dental. We’ll check their teeth and let you know if sealants are the next best step for a cavity-free future.
Call or book online today to ask about dental sealants for kids in Norwell.