Lesson #7: When First Molars Come in, Ask Your Dentist About For Sealants for your Child

One way to prevent 80% of cavities in children is...getting sealants. 

When the child gets her first molars, ask the dentist about sealants. Maybe you already know about them. If so, good!  I wish we had heard about sealants.  Sealants get applied by dentists to cover the child’s teeth, like a rain coat, to keep food from getting stuck in the deep natural crevices of young, groovy teeth. Sealants get applied by the hygienist the time when a child’s molars come in, around age 6. And sealants get applied again when the 2nd set of molars come in, at around age 12. 

Just do it. Get Sealants for Your Children’s Teeth. Sealants are so effective at cavity-prevention that most dental insurances in America cover 100% of the expense, including CHIP and Medicaid. For most children between ages 3 and 13 sealants are a smart option.  School-age children without sealants have almost 3 times more cavities than children with sealants. It’s worth noting that, even when insurance covers 100% of the cost of the sealant and kids benefit from them, just 30% of children who see the dentist get sealants.   

This is a reminder that oral health requires parents’ attention, asking questions and staying involved. The evidence that sealants prevent tooth decay is overwhelming.