Why Fall Is a Great Time to Get Dental Sealants

Dental sealant is a BPA-free protective cover placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It creates a barrier that keeps food and bacteria from settling into the deep grooves of permanent molars. Sealants are highly effective at stopping cavities before they start, and they can even halt early decay by cutting off the bacteria’s “food source.” With proper care, they can last for years.

Quick overview of what sealants look like and how they’re placed:
They’re clear or slightly whitish and feel smooth on the tooth similarly to nail polish on nails. Placement is quick and painless.
1. We clean the grooves with a toothbrush
2. Apply a gentle etch (gel like substance) to open tiny pores in the tooth for better retention
3. Rinse and dry
4. Paint on the sealant with a small brush
5. Harden it with a blue curing light

That’s it! Your child’s molars now have long-lasting protection right before the sugary, sticky holiday season kicks in.

An additional end-of-year benefit:
Because sealants are often FSA-eligible, fall is the perfect time to use remaining funds. If your family has a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), dental sealants could be covered. Reach out to your insurance or our team to find out more! 

If your child has new molars that have not been sealed yet, now is a smart time to use those dollars on something that is truly preventative.