The back molars are the teeth most likely to develop decay in children, and they are also the hardest to clean. Their chewing surfaces are covered in deep grooves and pits that trap food and bacteria, making them vulnerable even when brushing habits are good.
Dental sealants for kids are a preventive treatment designed to address exactly this problem. They are among the most commonly recommended options for protecting children’s molars, and understanding how they work, when they are applied, and what the procedure involves can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s dental care. A child’s first dental visit is often the right time to ask whether sealants may be appropriate.
Quick Overview
- Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to reduce the risk of decay
- They may be recommended for children once their first or second permanent molars have come through, typically between ages 6 and 13
- The procedure is non-invasive and does not require drilling or anaesthesia
- How long sealants last depends on the child’s bite, diet, and how well they are maintained at check-ups
- A dental assessment will confirm whether sealants are suitable and which teeth would benefit most
Below, we explain what dental sealants are, how they are applied, and what to consider when discussing them with your child’s dentist.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants, also called fissure sealants, are thin plastic coatings painted onto the grooves of back teeth. Once applied, the material fills in the deep pits and fissures where toothbrush bristles cannot reach, creating a smoother surface that is easier to clean and less likely to trap bacteria.
Most decay on back teeth in children starts in the narrow pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces, where permanent molars are most at risk. Sealants do not replace good oral hygiene. They work alongside regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to reduce the overall risk of decay.
Which Teeth Benefit Most From Sealants?
The permanent molars are the primary candidates for dental sealants. The first permanent molars usually arrive around age six, and the second permanent molars typically emerge around age 12. Applying sealants shortly after these teeth erupt, before decay has a chance to develop, gives them the most protection.
Sealants are most commonly placed on back molars in children and teenagers. In some cases, premolars or other teeth with particularly deep grooves may also be considered. Not every child will need sealants. Your dentist will assess each tooth individually and recommend treatment only where there is a clear benefit.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward process that is typically completed in a single appointment.
The steps generally include:
- Cleaning and drying the tooth surface
- Applying a mild solution to help the sealant bond to the tooth
- Rinsing and drying again
- Painting the liquid sealant material into the grooves
- Setting the sealant with a curing light
- Checking the bite and removing any excess material
The process takes only a few minutes per tooth. Children generally tolerate it well, and no injection or anaesthesia is required.
How Long Do Sealants Last and When Should They Be Checked?
Dental sealants can last several years with normal use, though they wear down over time and need regular checking to confirm they are intact. If they chip or wear away, they may need to be reapplied.
This makes regular dental check-ups particularly important for children with sealants. A dentist can assess the condition of each sealed tooth at routine appointments and reapply the material where needed. Sealants that have partially worn away provide less protection, so timely maintenance matters.
When to Talk to Your Dentist About Sealants
If your child’s first permanent molars have come through, or are due to shortly, this is a good time to raise dental sealants at their next appointment.
At Beyond 32 Dental, Dr Jeff Lin and Dr Jennifer Chung take a gentle, thorough approach to children’s dental care and will assess whether sealants are appropriate for your child’s teeth during a routine visit.
Call Beyond 32 Dental on (02) 9158 6334 or book a consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should children get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are most commonly applied when the first permanent molars come through, usually around age six, and again when the second permanent molars emerge around age twelve. Applying sealants shortly after these teeth erupt helps protect them before decay has a chance to develop. Your dentist will advise on the right timing based on how your child’s teeth are coming through.
Do dental sealants hurt?
The procedure does not require any drilling, injections, or removal of tooth structure. Most children find it straightforward and well-tolerated. The main steps involve cleaning the tooth, applying the sealant material, and setting it with a light. It takes only a few minutes per tooth and causes no discomfort for most children.
References
Better Health Channel. (n.d.). ‘Dental sealants’. Better Health Channel. Melbourne, VIC: Victorian Government Department of Health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-sealants
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). ‘Dental fissure sealants’. Healthdirect Australia. Sydney, NSW: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-fissure-sealants
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ‘Fissure sealant’. teeth.org.au. Sydney, NSW: Australian Dental Association. https://teeth.org.au/fissure-sealant
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