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A happy patient is visiting the dentist

Sealants Can Stop Cavities Before They Start

Sealants are like a shield for your teeth. They are a thin covering painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). Sealants protect teeth by blocking plaque and bacteria from accumulating.

When applied in childhood, sealants can save a lot of money over a lifetime. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can reduce cavities by up to 80% immediately and up to 60% for four years or more.

Dentists use sealants as part of the plan to ensure a healthy mouth. Getting sealants is quick, easy and painless!

Why should children get sealants?

  • 90% of cavities occur in the back teeth, which do most of the chewing and are hard to reach and clean
  • Toothbrushes are not able to reach into all the grooves in teeth
  • A child’s new permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth
  • Without sealants, cavities can form, causing toothaches, infection and problems with eating, talking and learning
  • Sealants can prevent the expense and pain of treatments like fillings and crowns
  • Bacteria in the mouth can eventually affect other health problems

How are sealants applied?

  • After cleaning to prepare the surface, a thin coat of sealant material is painted onto the tooth
  • Sealants harden immediately, bonding to the tooth, and are not visible
  • There is no drilling, and numbing shots are not usually needed
  • The process is quick and painless, completed in just a few minutes per tooth

When should sealants be applied?

  • Sealants work best when applied after molars come into the mouth – around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars
  • They usually last for five to 10 years and may need to be replaced after sealants become loose or worn
  • Your dentist will check the sealants during regular visits and reapply as needed

Sealants seem like a no-brainer! What should I do?

  • All of our dental plans provide coverage for sealants, and children on our Choice and Choice Plus can get sealants at no cost
  • Whichever plan you may have, talk to your dentist about sealants today

Learn more

Find a dentist

Finding a dentist for your child is easy. Just visit floridabluedental.com/members/find-a-dentist.