Dental Sealants and Fluoride: Simple Cavity Protection for Kids

Most cavities in children start in the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Those grooves are often narrower than a single toothbrush bristle, so even kids who brush well can't fully clean them. Two simple preventive treatments, sealants and fluoride, close that gap. Both are quick, comfortable and among the most effective tools we have.

What sealants are

A sealant is a thin, tooth-colored coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It flows into the pits and grooves and hardens, creating a smooth surface that food and bacteria can't settle into.

According to the CDC, sealants prevent most cavities in the back teeth for the first years after they're placed. They don't replace brushing, but they protect the spots that brushing misses.

How sealants are placed

Placing sealants takes a few minutes per tooth, with no drilling and no numbing:

1. The tooth is cleaned and dried.
2. A gentle solution prepares the surface so the sealant bonds well.
3. The sealant is painted on and hardened with a special light.

Kids can eat normally right after. At each checkup we check the sealants for wear and touch them up if needed. With good care they can last for several years.

When to get sealants

The best time is soon after the permanent molars come in, before decay has a chance to start:

• First permanent molars usually arrive around age 6.
• Second permanent molars usually arrive around age 12.

Sealants can also help on other teeth with deep grooves, on some baby molars, and even for adults who are prone to cavities.

How fluoride protects teeth

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to the acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria. It can even help repair very early weak spots before they turn into cavities. Children get fluoride in three main ways:

• Fluoride toothpaste. Use a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6. Teach kids to spit out the extra rather than swallow it.
• Fluoridated tap water, which many communities, including much of Northern Virginia, provide.
• Professional fluoride treatments, a varnish painted on at checkups. It sets quickly, tastes mild and gives a concentrated boost of protection.

Professional fluoride is especially helpful for children who have had cavities, wear braces, or drink mostly bottled water.

Is fluoride safe?

Yes, when used as recommended. The amounts in toothpaste, community water and professional treatments are well studied and considered safe and effective by major health organizations. The key for young children is using the right amount of toothpaste and supervising brushing so they don't swallow it.

Do insurance plans cover them?

Many dental plans cover sealants and fluoride for children because they prevent more expensive treatment later. Coverage varies by plan and by age, so we'll check your benefits before the visit. Zen Family Dental works with many insurance plans, including DentaQuest and VA Medicaid; see our new patient and insurance page.

A small step that saves a lot

A sealant takes minutes and can spare your child a filling, an uncomfortable visit and the cost that comes with it. Ask about sealants and fluoride at your child's next checkup, or learn more about our pediatric dentistry. To book, request an appointment online or call (703) 385-2772.