How to Prevent Cavities With Sealants

Our back teeth (called molars) are specially designed to grind or crush food into smaller bits before we swallow, and their biting surfaces have tall mountains (cusps) and deep valleys (grooves) to carry out those functions.

Those tiny grooves can be difficult to keep clean in between dental visits, and when bacteria move in, it creates the perfect environment for kids to get a cavity. Fortunately, pediatric dentists have a tool that can seal those grooves and prevent cavities.

You guessed it—Sealants!

So what exactly is a dental sealant?

Think of a sealant as a filling without drilling. A sealant is a tooth-colored coating that fills in those tiny grooves to make them smooth and shallow and easy to keep clean at home.

Ok, but are dental sealants effective?

Yes! Data from randomized controlled trials (the best kind of research available!) has shown that the use of sealants in children reduces the incidence of cavities on the biting surfaces of molar teeth by 76% after 2-3 years of follow-up.

How are sealants applied?

It's easy! First, Dr. Pete power washes tooth grooves to blast away cavity-causing bacteria and leftover food bits. Then, he applies a blue gel called etchant. Etchant roughens the surface of the tooth microscopically so that the sealant will better attach to the tooth.

Next comes the sealant itself. It goes on wet, and then Dr. Pete directs it into the tooth grooves it with a tiny paintbrush. Lastly, the sealant is dried with a UV light.

It's like a gel pedicure. For teeth.*

Interested in sealants for your kid?

Click here to request an appointment to find out if your kid's teeth are ready for sealants!

*Maybe leave the feet pedicures to our friends at Vibrant Salon. Dr. Pete will stick to teeth.