What are dental sealants?

Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing 

surfaces of the back teeth.

Sealants are put on in dentists’ offices, clinics, and sometimes 

in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants 

are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over 

the tooth.

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How are sealants put on?
Why get sealants?

The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid 

tooth decay. 

Fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water protects the 

smooth surfaces of teeth but back teeth need extra protection. 

Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and keep 

out germs and food.

Having sealants put on teeth before they decay will also save 

time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or 

caps used to fix decayed teeth.

What causes tooth decay?

Germs in the mouth use the sugar in food and drinks to make 

acids. Over time, the acids can make a cavity in the tooth.

Of course a healthy tooth is the best tooth. So it is important 

to prevent decay. That’s why sealants are so important.

Why do back teeth decay so easily?

The chewing surfaces of back teeth are rough and uneven 

because they have small pits and grooves. Food and germs can 

get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there a long time 

because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away.

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Who should get sealants?

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as 

soon as the teeth come in — before decay attacks the teeth.

The first permanent molars — called “6 year molars” — come 

in between the ages of 5 and 7.

The second permanent molars — “12 year molars” — come in 

when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.

Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be 

sealed.

Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay may also 

need sealants.

Should sealants be put on baby teeth?

Your dentist might think it is a good idea, especially if your 

child’s baby teeth have deep pits and grooves.

Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth. It is important to 

keep baby teeth healthy so they don’t fall out early.

Does insurance pay for sealants?

Some health insurance programs pay for sealants. Check 

with your state Medicaid program or your insurance company for 

details.

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How long do sealants last?

Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked 

at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or 

worn away. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by 

adding more sealant material.

What if a small cavity is accidentally 

covered by a sealant?

The decay will not spread, because it is sealed off from its food 

and germ supply.
Are sealants new?

No, sealants have been around since the 1960s. Studies by the 

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others 

led to the development of dental sealants and showed that they 

are safe and effective. 

But many people still do not know about sealants. In fact, 

fewer than one-third of children in the United States have sealants 

on their teeth. 

Besides sealants, are there other ways 

to prevent tooth decay?

Yes. Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water 

can help protect teeth from decay. 

About two-thirds of people in the United States have fluoride 

in their water. If your water is not fluoridated, talk to a dentist 

about other kinds of fluoride that can help keep your child’s teeth 

healthy.

Fluoride is the best defense against tooth decay!

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Fluoride...

l	 makes teeth more resistant to decay

l	 repairs tiny areas of decay before they become big cavities

l	 makes germs in the mouth less able to cause decay

Fluoride helps the smooth surfaces of the teeth the most. 

It is less effective on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. 

Regular brushing — with fluoride toothpaste — also helps 

prevent tooth decay.

Sealants and fluoride together can prevent almost all 

tooth decay.
How can I get dental sealants for my 

children?

Talk to a dentist, state or local dental society, or health 

department. Sometimes sealants are put on at school. Check 

with your school about whether it has a sealant program.

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For additional copies of this booklet contact:

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL

AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse

1 NOHIC Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3500

1–866–232–4528

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov

This publication is not copyrighted.

Make as many photocopies as you need.

NIH Publication No. 12-489

August 2012

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®