A young patient smiling into a mirror at Broadway Dentistry, which offers general dentistry for all ages in Fort Wayne

Sealing Out Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is increasingly common in preschoolers, and beyond being painful it can lead to premature tooth loss and childhood periodontal disease. Dental sealants, alongside twice-yearly checkups and good home care, help prevent childhood cavities and keep smiles healthy.

How do sealants protect children’s teeth?

Sealants protect the molars, the larger, flatter back teeth where most cavities occur. Decay-causing bacteria hide in the pits and fissures of their chewing surfaces, which a regular toothbrush can hardly reach. The sealant acts as a barrier that keeps food and bacteria off the enamel. For a child at high risk of decay, the dentist may also coat other teeth, such as bicuspids.

Sealants do not improve tooth health directly and are no substitute for fluoride supplements (if recommended) or daily care. But they are generally less costly, less uncomfortable and better looking than dental fillings.

Dr. Acosta reviewing a patient chart with her team at Broadway Dentistry, a general dentistry office in Fort Wayne, Indiana

How are sealants applied?

Most sealants are liquid plastic. The dentist cleans and prepares the molars, then paints on the sealant; some types are bright pink when wet and clear when dry, so the dentist can see every pit and fissure is coated. The sealant then self-hardens or is cured for several seconds with a blue spectrum light, depending on the brand, leaving a thin, hard, clear (or whitish) layer. The whole procedure takes one visit and is painless.

Dr. Denise Acosta and a team member laughing with a young patient in a treatment room at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, where fillings and crowns are done

A smiling patient in the chair at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, which offers cosmetic dentistry and whitening

When should sealants be applied?

Sealants usually go on when the baby molars first emerge, and pediatric dentists recommend sealing permanent molars as soon as they emerge, sometimes before they are fully grown. Depending on the child’s oral habits, a sealant may last the life of the baby tooth or need replacing several times.

Sealants are checked at twice-yearly appointments, because a lifting seal can trap food against the enamel and cause decay. If you have questions about dental sealants, please contact our office.