Dufour Dental Hygiene believes prevention is the best medicine — and when it comes to cavities, dental sealants offer one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your teeth.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars. These coatings create a strong barrier that blocks out germs and food particles, significantly reducing the risk of cavities in these vulnerable areas.
Sealants are especially effective for children and teens but can benefit adults too — helping to safeguard your smile for many years.
Molars have natural grooves and pits that make them perfect places for bacteria and food particles to get trapped. Even with regular brushing and flossing, it’s easy to miss these deep areas, allowing decay to develop over time.
Dental sealants act like a protective shield:
By applying a sealant early — ideally soon after the molars come in — you can dramatically lower the risk of cavities and long-term dental issues.
Dental sealants are typically recommended for:
Children and Teens: As soon as the first and second sets of permanent molars erupt (around ages 6 and 12), sealants can be applied to protect against decay during cavity-prone years.
Adults: Adults without fillings or decay in their molars can also benefit from sealants to add extra protection.
Individuals at Higher Risk for Cavities: Those with deep grooves in their teeth, a history of frequent cavities, or difficulty maintaining oral hygiene may find sealants especially helpful.
Sealants can reduce the risk of molar cavities by up to 80%
With proper care, dental sealants can last several years before needing reapplication.
The procedure is fast, non-invasive, and completely comfortable.
Preventing cavities with sealants can save you from the higher costs of future dental treatments like fillings or crowns.
The application process is simple and usually takes only a few minutes per tooth:
Cleaning: The teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or debris.
Preparation: A special solution is applied to the tooth surface to help the sealant bond securely.
Application: The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel and quickly hardened using a curing light.
Once set, the sealant provides instant protection without changing the way your teeth feel or look.
Dufour Dental Hygiene is committed to helping you and your family maintain strong, healthy smiles for life.
Dental sealants are a simple step that offers lasting protection — making them an important part of your preventive care plan.