2479 Oakmont Way, Eugene, OR 97401
A Simple Shield Against Cavities in the Back Teeth
Molars have deep grooves and pits that make them naturally difficult to clean, even with consistent brushing. Food particles and bacteria can settle into these tiny crevices, leading to cavities in areas a toothbrush often cannot fully reach. Dental sealants address this problem directly by creating a smooth, protective barrier over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, keeping food and plaque from settling into these vulnerable grooves.
Sealants are one of the most effective, low-cost ways to prevent cavities in children, particularly as permanent molars begin coming in around age six and again around age twelve. The application process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or numbing, making it an easy addition to a routine cleaning and exam visit.
At Oakmont Kids, we evaluate each child's molars to determine whether sealants are a good fit and apply them as a proactive step in protecting their long-term oral health.
Ask About Dental Sealants
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating made of a durable resin material that is applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, typically the molars and premolars. Once applied, the sealant flows into the natural grooves and pits of the tooth, creating a smooth, sealed surface that is far easier to keep clean than the deep crevices found on an untreated molar.
These grooves are naturally difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone, since bristles cannot always reach into the tiny pits where food particles and bacteria tend to collect. By sealing off this vulnerable surface, sealants act as a physical barrier that keeps plaque and food debris from settling into the tooth and causing decay.
Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, so they blend naturally with your child's smile and are barely noticeable once applied. They do not affect how a child bites, chews, or speaks, and most children forget they even have them shortly after the appointment.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are most beneficial for children who have recently developed permanent molars, typically appearing in two stages:
- Children around age six, when the first permanent molars come in
- Children around age twelve, when the second set of permanent molars erupts
- Kids who show deep grooves or pits on their molars during a routine exam
- Children with a higher risk of cavities due to diet, oral hygiene habits, or dental history
During your child's next cleaning and exam, we will let you know if their molars are good candidates for sealant application.
What Happens During a Sealant Application Visit
Applying dental sealants is a quick, straightforward process that most children handle easily. The entire process for one tooth typically takes just a few minutes, and most children can eat and drink normally right after their appointment.
01.
Cleaning the Tooth Surface
The molar is thoroughly cleaned and dried to prepare it for the sealant material.
02.
Preparing the Tooth
A mild solution is applied briefly to help the sealant bond effectively to the tooth's surface.
03.
Applying the Sealant
The liquid sealant is painted directly onto the grooves of the tooth.
04.
Curing the Sealant
A special curing light hardens the sealant within seconds, forming a durable protective layer.
05.
Final Check
We check your child's bite to make sure the sealant feels comfortable and is properly bonded.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are designed to provide long-term protection, but their lifespan can vary depending on a child's habits and diet. On average, sealants can last several years before needing to be reapplied, though we check their condition at every routine cleaning and exam to ensure they remain intact.
Certain habits can shorten how long a sealant lasts, including chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, or grinding the teeth at night. We monitor for signs of wear during regular visits and will let you know if a sealant needs to be touched up or reapplied to continue providing full protection.
Because sealants are checked as part of your child's normal dental visits, there is no need to schedule a separate appointment just to monitor them, making this a low-maintenance form of long-term cavity prevention.
Sealants as Part of a Broader Prevention Plan
While dental sealants offer excellent protection for the chewing surfaces of molars, they work best when combined with other preventive habits. Sealants do not protect the sides of teeth or areas between teeth, so continued brushing, flossing, and regular fluoride treatments remain an important part of your child's overall cavity prevention routine.
For children with a higher risk of decay, we may recommend pairing sealants with more frequent fluoride applications or closer monitoring during checkups. This layered approach gives your child's teeth the best possible defense as their permanent teeth continue to develop through adolescence.
Sealants are one part of a complete strategy, and our team will always explain how they fit into your child's specific preventive care plan.
Protect Your Child's Molars Before Cavities Start
Dental sealants offer a simple, effective way to guard your child's back teeth against decay. Schedule an appointment with Oakmont Kids to see if sealants are right for your child.
Request an Appointment