Baby Dental – What is a Sealant?
About 7 million low-income children need sealants.
Sealants are thin coatings painted on teeth to protect them from cavities. They flow into the deep grooves of teeth and harden immediately so a child can chew.
Sealants prevent the most cavities when applied soon after permanent molars come into the mouth (around age 6 for 1st molars and age 12 for 2nd molars).
Sealants can be applied by a dentist, dental hygienist, or other qualified dental professional, depending on state law and regulations. Dental sealants treatment be done in dental offices or community settings like schools or using portable dental equipment.
