Sealants: A Simple Way to Fight Tooth Decay

When it comes to protecting your smile, prevention is key. While brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups go a long way, there’s another simple, effective tool that helps keep cavities away—dental sealants.

At Burleson Dental, we often recommend sealants as part of a complete preventive care plan, especially for children. But adults can benefit from them too!

Here’s what you need to know about sealants—and how they help fight tooth decay.

---

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a special dental material. They’re applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—your molars and premolars—where deep grooves and pits are more prone to trapping food and bacteria.

Think of a sealant like a shield for your tooth: it blocks out plaque, food particles, and acids that cause cavities.

---

Who Should Get Sealants?

While sealants are most commonly used for children and teens, they’re beneficial at any age if your back teeth are cavity-free and have deep grooves.

• Children: We often apply sealants to permanent molars as soon as they come in—usually between ages 6 and 12.

• Teens: Great for protecting molars during cavity-prone years.

• Adults: If you haven’t had fillings in your molars and are prone to decay, sealants can still be a smart preventive option.

---

Why Sealants Work

Studies show that sealants reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80%. That’s because they create a smooth surface that’s easier to clean and less likely to collect harmful bacteria.

They’re especially important for kids who are still learning to brush effectively—and for anyone with deep grooves in their teeth.

---

Are Sealants Safe?

Yes! Dental sealants are safe, effective, and have been used for decades. They are:

• Quick and painless to apply (no numbing or drilling needed)

• Long-lasting—they can protect teeth for up to 10 years with good oral care

• Invisible—clear or white, they blend in with your natural tooth color

We check your sealants at every dental visit and can reapply them if needed.

---

What to Expect During the Procedure

Applying sealants is simple and takes just a few minutes per tooth:

1. We clean and dry the tooth

2. A special gel is applied to help the sealant bond

3. The tooth is rinsed and dried again

4. The sealant is painted on and hardened with a curing light

And that’s it—you can eat and drink right away!

---

Sealants + Good Habits = Healthy Teeth

While sealants are a powerful tool, they’re not a substitute for brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. But when used alongside good oral hygiene, they provide an extra layer of protection that keeps teeth healthier, longer.

---

Protect Your Smile with Sealants at Burleson Dental

Whether you’re a parent looking out for your child’s teeth or you’re exploring preventive options for yourself, sealants are one of the easiest ways to fight tooth decay—and save money on future dental work.