What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Protect Your Teeth?

Ever wish there was a simple way to keep cavities at bay, especially for your kids? Good news, there is. Dental sealants are like invisible bodyguards for your molars. They quietly protect your teeth from the daily assault of sugars and bacteria. In this blog, we’ll explore what teeth sealants are, how they work, and why your child—or even you—might benefit from them. 

1. 1. What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?

Think of dental sealants as raincoats for your teeth. They’re thin, protective coatings made from plastic resin, applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth—those molars and premolars that are full of tiny pits and grooves.

Why are they needed?

1. 1. • Those deep grooves trap food and bacteria.
      • Toothbrushes can’t always reach inside them.
      • Over time, this can lead to cavities.

Sealants seal off those grooves, creating a smooth surface that’s much easier to keep clean.

Dental sealants in Union NJ dentists usually apply them to permanent molars soon after they erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12. But adults can get them too, especially if they haven’t had cavities yet in those molars.

1. 1. How Dental Sealants Work to Shield Your Teeth

Applying sealants is fast, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or numbing. Here’s how the process works:

1. 1. 1. Cleaning: First, the dentist thoroughly cleans your tooth.
      2. Drying: The tooth is dried, and a little cotton is placed to keep it dry.
      3. Etching: A special gel is used to roughen the tooth’s surface—this helps the sealant stick.
      4. Rinsing and Drying Again
      5. Applying the Sealant: Here, the liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth surface.
      6. Curing: A special blue light hardens the sealant almost instantly.

Once it’s cured, you can bite down as usual—no weird feeling. Sealants make a physical barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in those deep grooves. They act as a shield between your tooth enamel and everything that could harm it.

It’s a small step that makes a big difference in fighting cavities, especially in kids with a sweet tooth or who rush through brushing.

1. 1. Who Should Consider Getting Dental Sealants?

Sealants aren’t just for kids, although they benefit the most from them.

Best candidates:

1. 1. • Children aged 6–14: Their newly erupted molars are prime targets for decay.
      • Teens with cavity-prone teeth
      • Adults with deep grooves or minor signs of decay who haven’t had fillings in those teeth yet

Sometimes, your dentist near you might even recommend sealants for baby teeth in case they have deep grooves and the child is at high risk for cavities. While baby teeth eventually fall out, keeping them healthy is still important for speech, eating, and spacing of adult teeth.

Adding sealants to your routine isn’t replacing brushing or flossing. It’s another layer of defense in your oral health strategy.

1. 1. How Long Do Dental Sealants Last and Are They Safe?

Many people wonder, “How long will they last?” Good news: sealants can stick around for up to 10 years with proper care. That said, your dentist will check them during routine check-ups and touch them up if needed.

Are they safe?

Absolutely.

1. 1. • Sealants are made from non-toxic materials.
      • They’re approved by the esteemed American Dental Association (ADA).
      • They don’t interfere with eating, talking, or other dental treatments.

Signs it’s time to reapply:

1. 1. • If the sealant looks worn or chipped
      • If your dentist notices it’s no longer protecting the tooth effectively
      • If the patient has had recent cavities in other teeth

Ask your dentist in Union, NJ, to evaluate the sealants during your next visit to keep things in check.

1. 1. Comparing Sealants to Other Preventive Dental Treatments

You might be wondering, “If I’m already brushing, flossing, and getting regular cleanings—do I really need sealants too?” That’s a fair question. Let’s break it down.

Dental sealants do something that other preventive treatments don’t—they physically block bacteria and food from settling into the deep grooves of your molars. That’s something even the best toothbrush can’t always reach.

Here’s how sealants stack up:

• Sealants are like a shield. They cover the chewing surface of the tooth and stop decay before it starts. They don’t fix existing problems—they prevent them.
• Fluoride treatments, on the other hand, help strengthen your enamel to resist acid attacks. They’re chemical reinforcements, not a physical barrier.
• Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar build-up, but they don’t prevent new bacteria from settling in after you leave the office.
• Fillings come into play only after damage is done—they restore teeth after decay sets in.

Here’s the kicker: sealants cost less than a filling, require no drilling, and can last for years. While fillings are essential once a cavity forms, sealants help you avoid needing them in the first place.

When used together sealants, fluoride, and cleanings they create a well-rounded defense plan. It’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about layering your protection. Think of it as putting on sunscreen, wearing a hat, and sitting under an umbrella on a sunny day.

Final Thoughts

Dental care doesn’t have to be complicated. Teeth sealants offer simple, lasting protection—especially for children’s cavity-prone molars. They’re safe, quick, and highly effective. At Emerald Dental Spa, we believe prevention is key to lifelong oral health. Take charge of your smile’s future. Book your appointment today and ask if sealants are right for your family.