Dental sealants for children
dental sealants · tooth sealant · fissure sealant · sealing back teeth
The dentist fills the grooves on the chewing teeth with a thin protective material. This keeps food from getting stuck there, so tooth decay is less likely.
Usually on new permanent back teeth, soon after they come in: at about 6 to 8 years and 11 to 13 years.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes per tooth
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Clean teeth. Before the visit, have your child brush their teeth.
- Food. Feed your child 1 to 2 hours before the visit. Eating right after the procedure is sometimes not advised.
- Mood. Tell your child honestly: it will not hurt, there is no injection, they just need to sit with their mouth open.
What to bring
- Your child's medical record, if you have one
How it goes
- The dentist checks the teeth and cleans the grooves
- The tooth is kept dry with cotton rolls
- A special solution is put on the tooth, then rinsed off
- The protective material is put into the grooves
- The material hardens under a blue light in a few seconds
- The dentist checks the bite
What you'll feel
- No pain and no injection
- The taste of the solution and a dry mouth may be unpleasant
Afterwards
- Your child can usually eat after an hour. Check with the dentist
- Brush teeth as usual
- Have the sealant checked at check-ups every six months. Sometimes it needs a touch-up
Common questions
At what age should sealants be done?
Usually right after the permanent back teeth come in: at 6 to 8 and at 11 to 13 years. The dentist will advise the timing.
Does it hurt my child?
No. There is no drilling and no injection. The tooth is only cleaned and covered with the material.
How long do sealants last?
Usually several years. At each check-up, the dentist checks them and adds material if needed.