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Keeping up with a child's dental health involves many moving parts. Two topics that come up regularly in our Middletown, NJ, practice are dental sealants and dental fillings — what they are, when they're needed, and how they differ.
Understanding both can help you feel more prepared at your child's next visit and make it easier to ask the right questions.
A dental sealant is a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the molars and premolars. These surfaces have small grooves and pits that can be difficult to clean thoroughly, even with consistent brushing. Sealants create a smooth barrier that helps reduce the buildup of bacteria and plaque in those areas.
Sealants are made from resin or glass ionomer materials and are applied directly to the tooth surface. The process is quick and comfortable and does not require any drilling or numbing.
It is important to note that sealants specifically protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They do not cover the sides or front teeth, so they work best as part of a complete oral hygiene routine rather than as a replacement for one.
A dental filling is used to restore a tooth affected by decay. When a cavity develops, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the space is filled with a restorative material to protect the tooth's structure and function.
There are several types of filling materials, each with different characteristics:
Composite resin — tooth-colored material that blends with natural teeth. Suitable for children of most ages and commonly used in pediatric care.
Glass ionomer — releases small amounts of fluoride over time and bonds well to tooth structure. Often a good option for baby teeth or areas with lower chewing pressure.
Silver amalgam — durable and long-lasting, but silver in color. The FDA recommends avoiding amalgam in children under 6 and in pregnant or nursing individuals due to its mercury content. This guidance applies regardless of allergy history.
Ceramic — tooth-colored and stain-resistant, but less commonly used in pediatric settings due to cost and durability considerations.
Gold — highly durable and long-lasting, but the most expensive option and not commonly used in children.
The appropriate material depends on the cavity's location, the child's age, and other clinical factors. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option after evaluating the tooth.
This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents, and it makes sense to ask. If a tooth is going to fall out anyway, why treat it?
Baby teeth serve several important functions beyond chewing. They help guide the development of speech sounds, and they hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early due to untreated decay, nearby teeth can shift into the gap. This may reduce the space available for the incoming permanent tooth and, in some cases, contribute to alignment concerns that require orthodontic treatment later.
Untreated decay can also spread. A cavity left in place can affect the surrounding tooth structure and, over time, may reach the inner layers of the tooth, where infection can develop. For these reasons, cavities in baby teeth are treated with the same care as those in permanent teeth.
Sealants are most commonly applied when a child's first permanent molars come in, typically around ages 6 to 7. The second set of permanent molars usually erupts between ages 11 and 13 and may also benefit from sealants at that time.
In some cases, sealants may also be placed on baby teeth — particularly if a child has deeper-than-average grooves in their molars or a history of cavities. Your dentist will evaluate whether sealants are appropriate based on your child's individual needs.
The CDC has noted that school-age children without sealants are significantly more likely to develop cavities in their molars than those with them. Sealants are among the most straightforward preventive tools available in pediatric dentistry.
Sealants and fillings are part of a broader picture of dental health. Daily habits play a significant role in reducing the risk of decay.
Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, and attending regular dental visits all support healthier teeth over time. Diet also matters — frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks, including juice, can contribute to decay even with consistent brushing.
If you have questions about your child's brushing routine or which products are age-appropriate, our team is happy to walk you through it at any visit.
Do sealants hurt? No. Applying a sealant does not require drilling or numbing. The tooth is cleaned, a conditioning solution is applied briefly, and then the sealant material is placed and hardened with a curing light. Most children find the process straightforward.
Do fillings hurt? The area around the tooth is numbed before any decay is removed, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Some children experience mild sensitivity in the treated tooth for a day or two afterward. Softer foods during that period can help.
How long do sealants last? Sealants can last several years with proper care. Your dentist will check them at regular visits and recommend reapplication if they show signs of wear or chipping.
Does my child need sealants if they brush well? Sealants protect the areas of back teeth that are hardest to clean, regardless of brushing habits. Even thorough brushing can miss the deep grooves of molars. For many children, sealants provide an added layer of protection in those specific areas.
Does your child need fillings or dental sealants in Middletown, NJ? We’re here for you! Schedule an appointment with Surfside Smile Co., and let us take care of your kid’s smile!
Enjoy a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation for anyone 7+.
Call 732-639-0011 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.