Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Cavities often develop in the back teeth, where deep grooves are difficult to clean with brushing alone. Children are especially vulnerable during the early years of permanent tooth eruption, when brushing technique is still developing. Dental sealants are commonly recommended to help protect these high-risk areas and reduce the likelihood of decay.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
| Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress. |
Table of Contents
Why Dentists Recommend Dental Sealants for Kids
Dentists recommend dental sealants because they protect the chewing surfaces of molars where cavities most often develop. The thin coating seals deep grooves that are difficult to clean with brushing alone, creating a physical barrier against plaque and bacteria during cavity-prone years.
Sealants are recommended because they:
- Protect deep grooves where toothbrush bristles cannot reach
- Reduce the risk of decay in permanent molars
- Work alongside fluoride and daily oral hygiene
- Help prevent the need for fillings and restorative treatment
Sealants are intended to support consistent brushing and regular dental visits, not replace them.
Why Sealants Are Recommended During Cavity-Prone Years
Cavity risk increases when permanent molars first come in. These teeth have deep grooves and sit far back in the mouth, which makes them harder for children to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush.
Sealants are often recommended when:
- Permanent molars first erupt during the early school years
- Frequent snacking or sugary drinks increase cavity risk
- Fine motor skills are still developing
- Brushing and flossing are inconsistent, especially in the back teeth
Sealants help reduce cavity risk while children develop consistent brushing and flossing habits..
Are Dental Sealants Really Necessary?
Parents often ask this question, especially if their child brushes daily and has had few cavities so far. While not every child has the same risk level, dentists recommend sealants because cavities can form quickly and without pain.
Even kids with good habits can benefit, since sealants work as extra insurance against future decay.
Long-Term Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children
Sealants do more than protect teeth today. They support healthier smiles over time by preventing problems before they start.
Long-term benefits include:
- Fewer fillings and dental repairs
- Lower risk of tooth pain and infection
- Better preservation of natural tooth structure
- More positive dental experiences for kids
Preventive care often saves families time, stress, and costs down the road.
A Simple Step With Lasting Protection
Dental sealants give kids an added layer of defense during the years when cavities are most common. They work quietly in the background, supporting daily brushing and regular dental care.
If you want to know whether dental sealants are right for your child, schedule a dental exam at the location nearest you.
Contact Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQ
What age do kids usually get dental sealants?
Dentists often recommend sealants when permanent teeth first come in, usually between ages six and twelve. Sealants protect the chewing tooth surface of new molars at a time when kids are still learning effective brushing habits.
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Modern dental sealants are formulated to contain little to no BPA. Once the sealant hardens on the tooth surface, it remains stable and does not release BPA during normal chewing or eating.
Can kids still get cavities with sealants?
Sealants significantly reduce cavity risk on chewing surfaces, but cavities can still form on other parts of the tooth if oral hygiene is poor or sugary snacks are frequent.
Does every child need dental sealants?
Not every child has the same cavity risk. Dentists consider factors like tooth shape, dental history, and whether a child has many dental treatments already or has experienced decay in baby teeth before recommending sealants.
