Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs in these surfaces. Sealants are put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth.

Sealants are clear or tinted. Tinted sealants are easier to see.

2. Are sealants new?

No, sealants are not new. They have been around for a long time! Research by NIDCR and others led to the development of sealants in the early 1960s. But many people still do not know what sealants are. In fact, fewer than 20 percent of children in the United States have sealants!

3. Why get sealants?

By covering the chewing surfaces of the molars, sealants keep out the germs and food that cause decay.

4. Who should get sealants?

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in -- before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars -- called "6 year molars" -- come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars -- "12 year molars" -- come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.

The other teeth with pits and grooves -- called "premolars" or "bicuspids"-- right in front of the molars, also may need to be sealed.

Teenagers and young adults without decay or fillings in their molars also may get sealants.

5. Which teeth are suitable for sealants?

Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealant application. First molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years of age. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the molars have erupted, before the teeth have a chance to decay. For that reason, children between the ages of 5 and 15 benefit most from sealants.

6. Should sealants also be put on baby teeth?

Your dentist might think it is a good idea, especially if your child's baby teeth have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth play an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth -- so it is important to keep baby teeth healthy so they don't fall out early.

7. How are sealants applied?

Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. It is an easy three-step process: A dentist or dental hygienist cleans the tooth with a special toothpaste. A special cleansing liquid, on a tiny piece of cotton, is rubbed gently on the tooth and is washed off. Finally, the sealant is painted on the tooth. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield.

8. What if a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant?

The decay will not spread because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply.

9. Why is sealing a tooth better than waiting for decay and filling the cavity?

Sealants help maintain sound, intact teeth. Decay destroys the structure of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, additional tooth structure is lost. Fillings last an average of 6 to 8 years before they need to be replaced. Appropriate use of sealants can save time, money, and the discomfort associated with dental treatment procedures.

10. Are sealants visible?

Upon close examination sealants can be seen. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted. Because they are used only on the back teeth, sealants cannot be seen when a child talks or smiles.

11. Will sealants make teeth feel different?

Like anything new that is placed in the mouth, a child may feel the sealant with the tongue. Sealants, however, are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves on molar teeth.

12. How long will sealants last?

One sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material.

13. Will sealants replace fluoride?

No ... fluorides, such as those used in community water, toothpaste, and mouthrinse also help to prevent decay. Fluoride works best on the smooth surfaces of teeth. The chewing surfaces on the back teeth, however, have tiny grooves where decay often begins. Sealants keep germs out of the grooves by covering them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together to prevent tooth decay. [More information on flouride.]

14. How do sealants fit into a preventive dentistry program?

Sealants should be used as part of a child's total preventive dental care. A complete preventive dental program includes use of sealants, fluoride, plaque removal, careful food choices, and regular dental care. [More information on keeping a children's teeth healthy.]

15. How much do sealants cost?

Sealing one tooth usually costs less than filling one tooth.

Having sealants put on healthy teeth now will save you money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth.

But the most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Healthy teeth can last a lifetime!

16. Does insurance pay for sealants?

Many insurance companies pay for sealants. Check with your company for details.

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