Dental Sealants: Easy Cavity Protection for Kids

A Raincoat for Your Child's Teeth

If there were a simple, painless way to cut your child's risk of cavities dramatically, you'd want to know about it. That's exactly what dental sealants are - a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, sealing out the bacteria and food that cause decay. Think of it as a raincoat for the teeth. Here's what parents in Ottawa should know, straight from your dentist.

Why Back Teeth Are So Cavity-Prone

Molars and premolars have deep grooves and pits that trap food and bacteria - and those grooves are often too narrow for toothbrush bristles to reach the bottom. That's why the majority of cavities in children form on these back teeth, even in kids who brush well. Sealants flow into the grooves and harden into a smooth surface that's easy to keep clean.

Who Should Get Sealants

The ideal time is right as the permanent molars come in - the first molars around age six and the second molars around age twelve - so they're protected during the most cavity-prone years. Cavity-prone adults with healthy, unfilled molars can benefit too, and sometimes sealants are recommended for a young child's baby molars if they're especially prone to decay. Our pediatric team will advise on the right timing.

Quick and Painless: The Two-Minute Procedure

This is about as easy as dentistry gets - no drilling, no needles, no discomfort. We clean and dry the tooth, apply a gel that helps the sealant bond, paint on the liquid sealant, and harden it with a curing light in seconds. It takes just two to three minutes per tooth, and most kids find it easy, even interesting.

How Well Do They Work?

Very well. Sealants reduce cavities in the back teeth by about 80% in the first couple of years and keep protecting the teeth for up to a decade. Children without sealants get substantially more molar cavities than those with them - which makes this one of the highest-value preventive steps available.

Are Sealants Safe?

Yes - sealants have been used safely for over 50 years. Some parents ask about BPA; sealants may contain only trace amounts (less than you'd encounter in a normal day), the cavity-prevention benefits far outweigh that minimal exposure, and BPA-free options are available if you prefer them.

Cost and Coverage

Sealants are inexpensive - typically $30 to $60 per tooth - and most dental plans cover them for children because they prevent costlier treatment later. One sealant costs far less than the filling it helps you avoid, along with the time and discomfort that come with it. We're happy to check your coverage.

Protect Their Smile Early

A few minutes now can save your child from cavities later. Ask us about sealants at your child's next visit, or book one today - complete your new patient forms online to save time.