Let’s be honest. Even the best little brushers miss a spot now and then. Add in sugary snacks, packed school days, and the occasional post-beach treat, and cavities can sneak in pretty easily. But there’s a simple way to help protect your kiddo’s smile: dental sealants.
If you haven’t heard of them before, no worries. Sealants are one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay, and we’re big fans. At Surfside Smile Co., we love anything that keeps things simple, protective, and low-stress. Sealants check all the boxes.
Here’s what they are, how they work, and why so many families in Middletown trust us to help keep their kids’ smiles strong and healthy, from first tooth to first surfboard.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings we brush onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. These molars and premolars do most of the chewing and tend to collect food particles and plaque.
Sealants smooth over those grooves and seal out bacteria. It’s a quick, painless treatment that helps prevent cavities right where they’re most likely to form. The best part? Your child won’t feel a thing, and the whole appointment is usually done before they even realize anything happened.
Molars are tough. They have deep grooves that are hard to clean, even for kids who are great about brushing. That’s why they’re usually the first place cavities pop up.
Even baby molars can benefit from sealants. Sure, those teeth will fall out eventually, but they stick around for a long time. And a cavity in a baby tooth can still hurt, cause infections, or mess with eating and speech. Sealants give those teeth some extra help during the years they matter most.
Not at all. Getting dental sealants is one of the easiest treatments we do. There are no needles, no drills, and no numbing.
We start by cleaning the tooth, then apply a gentle prep solution to help the sealant stick. After that, we brush on the sealant and dry it with a special light. That’s it. No downtime, no discomfort. Most kids are back to school, practice, or snack time like nothing ever happened.
The best time to apply sealants is when the first set of permanent molars comes in, usually around ages 5 to 7. A second round is usually recommended around ages 11 to 13 when the next set of molars shows up.
We may also recommend sealants for baby molars if your child has deep grooves or a higher risk for cavities.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
During regular checkups, we’ll keep an eye on things and let you know when the timing is right.
Sealants can last up to 10 years, which is pretty great for something that takes just a few minutes to apply. Of course, sticky candy, chewing on ice, or teeth grinding can wear them down a little faster.
We check your child’s sealants at every visit. If we notice any wear or chips, we can touch them up quickly so they stay effective.
Yes, completely. Dental sealants have been around for decades and are recommended by the American Dental Association and the CDC. The materials we use are safe, trusted, and effective.
We use high-quality sealants that we’d feel comfortable using on our own families. And we’re happy to talk through any questions you might have about what goes into them.
We recommend it. Braces can make it harder to brush around molars, which raises the risk of cavities. Sealants add an extra layer of protection for those teeth that are harder to reach.
If your child is getting braces soon, we’ll help you time the sealants beforehand. Already in braces? We’ll work with your orthodontist to see what’s possible.
Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80 percent, especially in the first few years after they’re applied. That means fewer fillings, fewer extra appointments, and more time spent doing the things kids enjoy.
They also save money over time by preventing more serious issues in the long run. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to protect your child’s teeth, and it can make a big difference in their long-term dental health.
At Surfside Smile Co., we’re big believers in prevention. Dental sealants are one of our favorite ways to help kids stay ahead of cavities with minimal stress and hassle. They’re fast, painless, and give growing smiles a real advantage.
If you’re looking for dental sealants in Middletown, NJ, we’d love to help. Whether your child is due for their first molars or just wrapped up with braces, we’ll walk you through what’s best for them and make the experience a great one.
Ready to protect that smile? Schedule your visit today. We’ll have the chair ready and the good vibes waiting.
What are dental sealants for kids?
Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the back teeth to help prevent cavities. They seal off hard-to-clean grooves and keep out plaque and food debris.
When should kids get dental sealants?
Most kids get their first sealants around ages 5–7 and a second set between 11–13, when their permanent molars come in.
Do sealants hurt?
Nope. Sealants are quick, gentle, and completely pain-free.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last up to 10 years with regular dental care. If they chip or wear down, they’re easy to repair or reapply.
Can kids get sealants if they have braces?
Yes! It’s a good idea to get sealants before braces go on. They help protect molars during orthodontic treatment.
Are sealants worth it?
Absolutely. They’re an easy, affordable way to help prevent cavities in the teeth that need it most.
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.