• Skip to main content
Locations Schedule an Appointment Contact
  • New Patients
  • Our Doctors
  • Services
  • Blog
Locations Schedule an Appointment Contact
Home > For Educators > Dental Sealants to the Rescue

Blog

News

For Parents

For Kids

For Educators

For Pediatricians

Glossary

Dental Sealants to the Rescue

Date: December 27, 2017 Categories: For Educators, For Parents

little girl smilingDuring your child’s next 6 month check-up, ask your pediatric dentist about dental sealants and how they can prevent cavities. In many cases, it is nearly impossible for children to clean the tiny grooves in their teeth – especially those molars in the back of their mouths. This is where sealants can help!

What Are Sealants?

Sealants are a hardened plastic resin material that protects teeth from bacteria. When sealants are applied to a tooth, it’s bonded into the grooves of the chewing surface. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that a toothbrush can’t reach and clean, which aids in preventing tooth decay. 

When we explain dental sealants to kids, we often compare them to a shield or raincoat, keeping the bacteria and acids in foods from settling into the teeth, just like a raincoat prevents people from getting wet.

What To Expect When Getting Sealants

Sealants are quick and painless! Generally, the procedure of applying a sealant takes just one visit, and all normal activities can resume directly after the appointment. To prepare to put the sealant in place, we’ll put a gauze in your mouth to make sure your teeth are comfortable and kept dry. Next we clean your tooth to prepare to apply the sealant. After the sealant is applied, your pediatric dentist will then harden your new sealant with a blue light to help protect the tooth from cavities and bacteria. Sealants are typically clear or white, so they’re not visible when you’re smiling or talking.

Even with sealants, children should still continue to brush and floss daily. Sealants do not completely protect teeth from cavities. At your next routine dental checkup, your pediatric dentist will ensure that your sealants aren’t in need of repair or reapplication. Sealants should last several years but can become loose or worn over time and need to eventually be replaced to continue to protect the tooth properly. 

Should My Child Get Sealants?

If your child has trouble brushing well, sealants may be an option to consider. Sealants are used most in children and teenagers since that’s when teeth are first developing and signs of tooth decay may begin to arise. The best way to know for sure is to speak with your pediatric dentist at your next appointment to determine if sealants are the best option for your child.

The benefits of sealants are:

  • Prevent cavities
  • Reduced dental expenses
  • Quick and painless procedure

Ready to get your child’s smile on track?

Schedule your child’s dental checkup to make sure their smile is on track for a lifetime of oral health.

You May Also Like

Brush Up On Healthy…

Read more

Serving Smiles Across The…

Read more

Keeping Your Child’s Teeth…

Read more

Serving Lots of Happy Patients

"I’ve been going to Pediatric Dental Associates since I was a child, now I take all 3 of my children there. Great office! Love Dr. Sara, and the my two favorite hygienist…" Read More

Gina C. Parent

"My daughter has special needs & going to the dentist is very difficult for her. Every time she goes she is treated with great care & her needs are always remembered and…" Read More

Amanda B. Parent

"How many people can say that their children love going to the dentist? I'm not sure of the stats, but I can raise my hand. From the front desk staff to the…" Read More

Sicily H. Parent

Our Locations

Northeast Philadelphia

6595-C Roosevelt Blvd.

Philadelphia 19149

215-743-3700

Allegheny Ave

2301 East Allegheny Ave

Philadelphia 19134

215-282-8000

Ambler

7 East Skippack Pike

Ambler 19002

215-653-0420

Cherry Hill

805 Route 38

Cherry Hill 08002

856-281-7600

West Philadelphia

5629 Vine St.

West Philadelphia 19139

215-383-1376

  • New Patients
  • Find A Location
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Patient Policies
  • Careers

© 2025 Pediatric Dental Associates. All rights reserved.