call or textKeeping your child’s smile healthy is about more than just brushing and flossing. At Pediatric Dentistry of Florence, we love helping parents find easy ways to protect their kids’ teeth, and dental sealants are one of the best tools we have. If you’re wondering what sealants are, how they work, and if your child might need them, here’s a quick parent-friendly guide.
What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?
Think of sealants as a shield for your child’s teeth. They’re a thin, protective coating that goes on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have lots of grooves and pits where food and bacteria like to hide, and even the best little brushers can miss them.
Sealants smooth over those tricky spots, keeping out plaque and acids that can cause cavities.
Why Sealants Are a Game-Changer
Here’s why so many parents in Florence choose sealants for their kids:
- They fight cavities like a champ. Sealants can cut the risk of cavities in molars by nearly 80%.
- It’s quick and painless. No drills, no shots — just a simple paint-on process and a special light to harden it.
- They save money in the long run. Preventing a cavity is always cheaper, easier, and less painful than treating one later.
- They last for years. Sealants usually protect teeth well into the teen years before needing a touch-up.
When Should Kids Get Sealants?
The best time is usually right after the permanent molars come in:
- Around age 6 for the first set of molars
- Around age 12 for the second set
By sealing these teeth as soon as they erupt, we can protect them during the years when kids are most cavity-prone.
Does My Child Really Need Them?
Every child is different, but sealants are especially helpful if your child:
- Has deep grooves in their molars.
- Has had cavities before.
- Struggles with brushing and flossing.
- Loves sugary snacks and drinks
If any of those sound familiar, sealants are the perfect extra layer of protection.
What to Expect
Getting sealants at Pediatric Dentistry of Florence is simple:
- We clean and dry the tooth.
- The sealant material is painted on.
- A special light helps it harden quickly.
- Your child walks out with stronger protection against cavities — no pain, no stress.
At future checkups, we’ll check the sealants and reapply if needed.
Here’s the Takeaway
Sealants are one of the easiest ways to help your child stay cavity-free. They’re safe, fast, affordable, and super effective. At Pediatric Dentistry of Florence, Dr. Carson Cruise and our friendly team love to help keep kids smiling with preventive care that actually works.
Call us or request an appointment online to see if sealants are right for your child.