What are sealants?
Sealants are a safe and painless way or protecting your children's teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

What is involved?
The process is usually quick and straightforward taking only a few minutes per tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard – usually by shining an ultraviolet light onto it.

Will my child feel it?
No, it is totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards.

How long do they last?
Sealants usually last for many years, but your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the dentist needs to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath them.

When should this be done?
Sealants are often applied as soon as the permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age

How much does it cost?
Most dentists offer fissure sealing. It may be available on the NHS and is not expensive. But in many cases it is available only privately. The cost varies from dentist to dentist, but it is usually good value.

Do my children still have to clean their teeth?
Yes. It is still vital that they do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean
and healthy with normal toothbrushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also help to protect your children's teeth. Pit and fissure sealing reduces tooth decay and the number of fillings your child might need.