Children Sealants

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are thin, tooth-coloured resin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth (molars and premolars). They flow into the deep grooves and pits where toothbrush bristles cannot reach, creating a smooth barrier that food and bacteria can’t penetrate.

Think of a sealant as a raincoat for your child’s molars — a simple protective layer that keeps the most decay-prone surfaces safe for years.

Why Children's Molars Are at Highest Risk

Permanent molars erupt with deep grooves (fissures) on their chewing surfaces. These grooves are often so narrow that a single bristle of a toothbrush can’t fit inside them — but bacteria and food particles can. The result: more than 80% of childhood cavities form on these chewing surfaces. Sealants smooth out these grooves, dramatically reducing the risk of decay during the years when children’s brushing skills are still developing and their dietary habits include the most sweets.

Who Should Have Sealants — And When

First permanent molars (“6-year molars”):
Erupt around ages 6–7. Sealants should be applied as soon as the chewing surface is fully exposed —ideally within 6 months of eruption, before any decay can start.

Second permanent molars (“12-year molars”):
Erupt around ages 11–13. Same timing: as soon as fully erupted.

Premolars:
Erupt around ages 10–12. Sealed where grooves are deep.

Baby molars (in selected cases):
In high-risk children — particularly those with deep grooves on baby molars or a history of earlychildhood decay — sealants on baby teeth can also be highly beneficial.

The Procedure Step by Step

Cleaning:

We gently clean the tooth's chewing surface with a special paste, removing any plaque or food debris.

Drying & isolation:

The tooth is carefully dried and isolated to prevent saliva contact during application.

Etching:

A mild gel is applied for 15–20 seconds to slightly roughen the enamel surface — this helps the sealant bond securely. The gel is then rinsed and the tooth dried again.

Sealant application:

The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth with a small brush. It flows into every microscopic crevice

Curing:

A special blue light is shone on the tooth for 20 seconds, hardening the sealant into a solid, durable layer.

Bite check:

We check that the sealant doesn't interfere with your child's bite and polish if needed.

Total time:
About 5–10 minutes per tooth. Completely painless. No anaesthesia. No drilling. No drama.

Why Parents Love Sealants

Painless — no needles, no drilling, no anaesthesia
Quick — most cases done in 15–30 minutes total
Effective — reduce molar decay risk by up to 80%
Safe — extensively studied, used since the 1960s
Affordable — far cheaper than the fillings they prevent
Long-lasting — typically 5–10 years per sealant
BPA-free options available for parents concerned about chemicals

Aftercare

Your child can eat and drink immediately after — no waiting time
Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Avoid biting on extremely hard foods (ice, very hard sweets) which could chip sealants
We check sealants at every 6-month appointment and repair or replace as needed

Sealants Are Not a Replacement for Brushing

Sealants protect only the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They don't protect:
The sides of the teeth (where flossing matters)
Front teeth
Gums
Daily brushing, flossing and regular check-ups remain essential — sealants are one layer of protection in a complete preventive routine

Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At what age should my child get sealants?

Ideally as soon as each permanent molar fully erupts: first molars around 6–7 years old, second molars around 11–13. Premolars are also sealed where grooves are deep. We assess each child individually at their check-up appointments.

Are sealants safe?

Yes. Dental sealants have been extensively researched since the 1960s and are endorsed by all major paediatric dental associations. BPA-free options are available for parents who prefer them. At Dentistar, we use modern, biocompatible sealant materials.

How long do sealants last?

Typically 5–10 years. We check them at every 6-monthly visit and repair or replace any that have worn or chipped. A well-maintained sealant can last well into adulthood.

Does my child need anaesthesia?

No. Placing a sealant is completely painless — there’s no drilling, no needles, and most children find the procedure quite easy. It’s often used as a positive first “real” dental experience to build confidence.

Does insurance cover sealants for children?

Many insurance providers and funds cover sealants — especially because they prevent more expensive treatment later. We provide detailed receipts so you can submit them for reimbursement.

Can adults get sealants too?

Yes. While most commonly applied to children, adults with deep grooves on their molars (and no existing decay or fillings on those surfaces) can also benefit. We assess this during your routine check-up.