A dental sealant is a thin, protective plastic or resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities by sealing the deep grooves and pits that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. The simple, painless procedure involves cleaning the tooth, applying a gel to help the sealant stick, rinsing, and then painting on the liquid sealant, which is then hardened with a special light. Sealants are a common preventive measure, especially for children and teens, but are also used for adults with healthy teeth that have deep grooves.
Understanding Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are typically made from a tooth-colored resin material, although some use glass ionomer compounds. These materials are painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. These teeth have natural grooves and pits that can trap food and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities. By applying a sealant, dentists can seal these grooves and create a smooth surface that is easier to clean.
The sealant bonds to the enamel, forming a barrier against acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by nearly 80% in children and teenagers.
Sealants are quick, painless, and non-invasive, making them an ideal preventive dental care option. They are especially recommended for back teeth, which are harder to brush effectively and more likely to develop decay.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are for anyone with teeth that have deep grooves and pits, a high risk of cavities, or difficulty with oral hygiene. They are most often recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent molars erupt to provide a protective barrier against decay-causing bacteria and food. However, adults with deep grooves or a history of cavities also benefit from the cost-effective, painless
Children and Teens
Children and teens need dental sealants because they act as a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck in the deep grooves and causing cavities. They are particularly important during these years when permanent molars are erupting and when children are still learning effective brushing techniques. Sealants significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for costly dental treatments later in life.
Vulnerable Teeth:
Young permanent teeth have deep, narrow grooves that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush, even with good oral hygiene.
High-Risk Years:
Children and teens are more susceptible to cavities during the years when their permanent molars are erupting (around ages 6, 12, and 13).
Improved Oral Hygiene:
For children still developing their brushing and flossing habits, sealants provide a significant extra layer of protection.
Cost-Effective Prevention:
Sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure that can prevent the need for more expensive treatments for cavities and tooth decay in the futur.
Adults
Adults can also benefit from sealants, particularly if they are prone to cavities or have teeth with deep grooves that are difficult to clean. Even later in life, a dental sealant can provide long-lasting protection and reduce the need for repeated fillings.
High-Risk Patients
Certain patients are considered high-risk for tooth decay due to factors such as genetics, diet, medications, or a history of cavities. For these individuals, dental sealants are particularly valuable.
At our Scarborough clinic, a Centennial College student shared that sealants on her molars helped her avoid cavities, even though she often skipped flossing during exam season—a testament to their protective benefits.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer numerous advantages:
- Cavity Prevention: By sealing out bacteria and food particles, sealants help prevent decay before it starts.
- Long-Lasting Protection: A sealant can last 5–10 years, offering continuous defense against cavities.
- Quick and Painless: Sealants are applied in minutes per tooth with no drilling or anesthesia.
- Cost-Effective: Preventing cavities is far less expensive than treating them with fillings or crowns.
- Reduces Dental Anxiety in Children: Fewer cavities mean fewer trips to the dentist for invasive procedures, which can reduce stress and fear for kids.
Research shows that children with dental sealants require fewer restorative treatments, saving families both time and money over the long term.
Sealants vs. Other Preventive Methods
Dental sealants complement, rather than replace, other preventive measures:
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride strengthens enamel, while sealants protect grooves and pits from decay.
- Brushing and Flossing: Good oral hygiene removes plaque and food debris, but sealants add a protective layer that brushing alone can’t reach.
- Diet Control: Limiting sugary and acidic foods helps prevent cavities, but sealants provide an extra line of defense for vulnerable teeth.
In combination, these measures create a comprehensive preventive dental care routine.
The Dental Sealant Procedure at Our Scarborough Clinic
The sealant application is simple, safe, and painless:
- Cleaning and Drying the Tooth: The dentist cleans the tooth to remove plaque and debris.
- Etching Gel: A mild acid gel is applied to roughen the enamel surface slightly, improving adhesion.
- Applying the Sealant: The dentist paints the thin resin onto the grooves and pits of the teeth.
- Curing with a Special Light: A curing light hardens the sealant into a durable, protective barrier.
The entire procedure takes only minutes per tooth and doesn’t require drilling, injections, or anesthesia.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Dental sealants are completely safe for both children and adults.
– No, drilling or anesthesia is not needed for the application of dental sealants.
– No pain is involved during the procedure.
– Materials are approved by Health Canada, ensuring they are safe and effective.
Sealants are considered one of the safest preventive dental care treatments available, backed by decades of research.
Local Perspective – Scarborough Families
Sealants have made a noticeable difference in our community:
- A Malvern mom shared that her child had no new cavities after receiving dental sealants.
- A Milliken senior opted for sealants to prevent recurring fillings and was delighted with the painless process.
- An Agincourt teen described the procedure as “super quick and easy,” making dental visits stress-free.
- A Guildwood parent mentioned that her child went a full year without needing any fillings after getting sealants
- on all molars.
- A Scarborough adult patient said sealants helped him avoid a root canal on a previously cavity-prone tooth.
These stories highlight how sealants can benefit patients of all ages across Scarborough.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Dental sealants are a simple, safe, and effective way to prevent cavities. They protect teeth, are pain-free, cost-effective, and backed by credible health authorities like the CDA and Health Canada.
At Markham Gateway Dentistry, we provide dental sealants in Scarborough for children, teens, and adults. Protect your smile today—visit us at 2855 Markham Rd Unit 108, Scarborough, ON M1X 0C3 to schedule an appointment. Your teeth will thank you!
