Sealants are a special protective coating placed on your child’s back teeth to help prevent cavities — especially in the deep grooves where toothbrushes can’t always reach!
🧁 Think of them like a raincoat for your teeth — they keep out sugar bugs (aka bacteria!) and help your child’s smile stay strong and healthy.
❓ Why Are Sealants Important?
- About 80–90% of cavities in permanent teeth happen on the chewing surfaces
- Sealants are painted onto these surfaces to block out germs and food
- They do not go between teeth, so flossing is still very important!
🗓️ When Are Sealants Recommended?
We usually recommend sealants on:
🦷 1st Molars — Around age 6
🦷 2nd Molars — Around age 12
👩⚕️ Your Aloha dentist may recommend sealants on other cavity-prone teeth too!
💡 How Are Sealants Applied?
It’s quick, easy, and no numbing needed!
- Teeth are cleaned and dried
- Sealant is gently painted on the tooth
- A special blue light hardens it instantly
- That’s it — your child can eat and drink right away!
🛡️ Are Sealants 100% Cavity-Proof?
Sealants give great protection — but they’re not magic shields.
Cavities can still happen if:
- Sealants wear down
- Habits change
- Bacteria increases
💪 But they greatly reduce the risk and help keep smiles healthier longer!
⏳ How Long Do Sealants Last?
- Usually about 3 years — sometimes longer
- We check sealants at every check-up
- If needed, they can be replaced to keep protecting the tooth
🧪 Are Sealants Safe?
Absolutely!
- We use tooth-colored resin similar to fillings
- No BPA in the materials we use
- Safe for growing kids and developing smiles!
🍿 Any Special After-Care?
Eat and drink as usual — but try to avoid hard foods like:
- 🍬 Hard candy
- 🧊 Ice
- 🍿 Popcorn kernels
These can cause sealants (and even natural teeth!) to chip or break.
🦷💬 Have Questions?
Ask us during your visit or give us a call!
We’re happy to talk about how sealants can help protect your child’s teeth for years to come.