By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, Jacksonport Dental Clinic – NE Calgary
As a parent, you want to protect your child from everything — scraped knees, sniffles, and yes, even toothaches. One of the most effective ways we can help your child avoid dental pain and cavities is through dental sealants. At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we often describe sealants as invisible shields that protect little smiles — and the best part is, kids don’t even feel them!
In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly what dental sealants are, how they work, when your child might need them, and why they’re one of the easiest and most cost-effective tools in modern preventive dentistry.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth — the molars and premolars. These are the areas where food and bacteria tend to settle, making them most vulnerable to cavities.
Think of sealants like a raincoat for your child’s teeth — they shield the grooves and pits in the teeth from food debris, plaque, and bacteria.
Why Are Sealants Important for Kids?
Children’s teeth, especially their permanent molars, often have deep grooves that are hard to clean, even with regular brushing. Even if your child is brushing and flossing like a little dental superstar, these grooves can trap tiny food particles.
Sealants act as a barrier, preventing decay and protecting your child’s teeth during the cavity-prone years — typically from ages 6 to 14.
- Cavity prevention: Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80%.
- Painless application: No needles, no drilling — just a simple, quick, and painless process.
- Cost-effective: Sealants are significantly more affordable than treating cavities or getting fillings later.
When Should My Child Get Sealants?
At Jacksonport Dental, I usually recommend sealants for children when:
- First molars appear (around age 6)
- Second molars erupt (around age 12)
In some cases, we also apply sealants on baby teeth if they have deep grooves and are at risk of decay. The earlier the protection starts, the better!
The Process – What to Expect at Jacksonport Dental Clinic
I always reassure our little patients and their parents that applying sealants is one of the easiest dental visits ever! Here’s what the process looks like:
- Cleaning the tooth thoroughly.
- Drying and placing a special solution to help the sealant bond.
- Applying the sealant in liquid form — it quickly flows into grooves.
- Curing the sealant with a special light to harden it in seconds.
“Most kids don’t even realize something was done — that’s how smooth and quick the visit is!” – Dr. Richa
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants can last up to 5–10 years, depending on your child’s eating and brushing habits. We’ll check them during your child’s regular 6-month dental checkups and reapply if needed.
But What About Diet and Brushing?
Sealants aren’t a substitute for brushing, flossing, or a healthy diet. I always encourage families to:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Visit for checkups every 6 months
Sealants are like the “extra credit” in cavity prevention — brushing and a healthy diet are still the foundation!
Common Questions Parents Ask Me
Q: Are sealants safe?
Yes! Sealants are made from BPA-free materials and are completely safe for children.
Q: Can adults get sealants too?
Yes, adults can benefit too, especially if they have deep grooves and no existing fillings. But kids benefit the most due to their higher cavity risk.
Q: Will insurance cover sealants?
Many dental insurance plans do cover sealants for children. Our friendly front desk team at Jacksonport Dental will gladly help check your benefits.
Dr. Richa’s Final Thoughts
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we believe in preventive care — and sealants are one of the best tools we have to protect your child’s beautiful smile. If your child is between ages 6 and 14, or if you’re unsure whether they need sealants, I encourage you to book a visit and let’s chat!
“The best dental experience for your child is the one where they never get a cavity in the first place.”
Let’s work together to make that happen.
Visit Jacksonport Dental Clinic – NE Calgary
We’re proud to serve families in Skyview, Cityscape, Redstone, Saddleridge, Martindale, and all surrounding communities. Open 7 days a week for your convenience, including weekends and evenings.
📞 Call us at 403-815-3040
📍 Visit us at 124-3730, 104 Ave NE, Calgary AB T3N 0T1
🌐 Book online at jacksonportdental.ca
