Dental Sealants

The sooner the better, because a sealant works best on a tooth that has no cavity yet. Sealants for children’s molars are most helpful soon after the teeth come in. The first permanent molars usually appear around age 6, and the second molars around age 12. That is why we focus on children under 14.

Yes. Sealants have been used for decades and are supported by the ADA and AAPD. We use high-quality, BPA-free materials trusted by pediatric dentists.

No. A sealant covers the chewing surface only. It does not protect the spaces between teeth or the gum line, so brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular checkups still matter.

Not every child needs them on every tooth. They help most when molars have deep grooves or a child is prone to cavities. Dr. N checks each tooth and tells you honestly whether sealing is worth it.

A sealant flows into the deep grooves of a molar and hardens into a smooth, protective layer. That seals out food and bacteria, so the grooves can’t trap them. It is a simple way to seal and protect dental surfaces that are hard to clean by brushing alone.

Yes. Most sealants are made of a thin, tooth-colored resin, which is a type of dental plastic. It bonds to the tooth, does not change how the tooth looks or feels in any noticeable way, and is not a filling, because nothing is drilled away.

No. There are no needles and no drilling. Most children say it feels like having their teeth painted and dried.

We don’t recommend it. Over-the-counter products are not the same as the professional materials used in a dental office. A real sealant needs a clean, dry tooth and a special curing light to bond properly. If it isn’t placed correctly, food and bacteria can get trapped underneath, where you can’t see them.

No. A sealant can’t be done safely or properly at home. If your child has deep grooves or you are worried about cavities, book a quick visit and we will check which teeth would benefit.

Ultradent is one of several dental companies that make sealant materials. At Little Smiles, Dr. N chooses a high-quality, BPA-free sealant that pediatric dentists trust. If you’d like to know the exact product, just ask our team at your visit.

Dental sealants for kids are made to prevent cavities in the chewing surfaces of molars. They are not a treatment for tooth sensitivity. Some products, sometimes called a dental coating for sensitive teeth, are meant for exposed tooth surfaces and are mostly used in adults. If your child complains that their teeth are sensitive to cold, hot, or sweet foods, it can be a sign of a cavity or weak enamel, so please schedule an exam rather than guessing.

The ADA says sealants often last several years, and the CDC notes they can protect for up to nine years. Chewing and grinding wear them down over time, so we check them at every visit and touch them up when needed.

Many dental plans cover sealants for children. Call your insurance company or our office and we’ll help you understand your benefits.

Dental sealants are used most often for children up to age 14, and that is our main focus at Little Smiles of Beverly Hills. But prevention has no age limit. Adults with deep grooves in their back teeth, who have no decay or fillings in those molars, can also be good candidates for teeth sealants. If you are an adult interested in sealants, ask Dr. Sepehr Nassiripour whether they make sense for you.