Children's Dental Disease Prevention Program
DENTAL SEALANT FACT SHEET
What Are Sealants, And
How Are They Applied?
Dental sealants are thin plastic
coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars (the
back teeth) to prevent dental decay (caries). Sealants are safe,
painless, and take only minutes for a dental professional to
apply. Teeth are brushed clean and sealants are painted onto
the teeth. No drilling or anesthesia is required.
What Are The Benefits
Of Sealants?
Sealants are slippery and make it harder
for plaque that causes decay to stick in the pits and grooves
of molars. Because sealants can prevent more than 80% of dental
decay in children, they reduce the need for fillings and other
more expensive treatment. Sealants are an economical preventive
measure to keep teeth healthy for years.
Who Should Have Sealants?
All children with permanent molars
should have access to sealants. Unfortunately, only 10% of 8
year-olds and 13% of 14 year-olds in California have sealants.
If Children Use Fluoride, Do They Still Need Sealants? Yes, both should be used. Sealants and fluoride work together to prevent dental decay. Sealants prevent decay in the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of the molars, while fluoride prevents decay on the smooth surfaces of all teeth.
Are Sealants New?
No, dental sealants have been used for
over 30 years and are approved by the American Dental Association,
the National Institute of Dental Research, and the American
Public Health Association.
Does Dental Insurance
Cover Sealants?
Sealants are a covered dental
benefit through Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) Services, the Healthy Families
Program and most private insurance.
