Updated September 2025
Does your child struggle with effective brushing techniques? Do they enjoy a sweet treat every now and then? Do they like to snack throughout the day? If your child snacks, enjoys sweets, and could use some help brushing their teeth properly, dental sealants would probably benefit them, and your kid's dentist Barrie, ON, can help!
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A sealant is a thin coating that is placed over the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth and molars. The sealant material will fill in any grooves or pits that may attract bacteria and be hard to keep clean. Sealants help prevent tooth decay and cavities from occurring by protecting the tooth from the acids that break down tooth enamel. We definitely see fewer cavities in children with dental sealants on their teeth than in those without.
Sealants are bonded directly to your child's tooth and don't require any tooth structure to be removed, so the process is non-invasive. It can typically be completed during one quick appointment, and they tend to protect your child's smile for around 5 years, sometimes more.
6 Reasons We Recommend Dental Sealants
Here are some of the common reasons your Barrie dentist would recommend dental sealants for your child:
- An Extra Layer of Protection Against Cavities — Covering the surface of your child's tooth with a sealant protects against the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay.
- Quick, Easy, and Painless — We can often complete your child's sealants in one quick appointment, and they may not need a dental anaesthetic.
- A Cost-Effective Way to Prevent Future Dental Problems — Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental sealants, leaving parents with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
- Preserves Natural Tooth Structure — Dental sealants help your child avoid cavities, which compromise natural tooth structure.
- An Excellent Solution for Newly Erupted Molars — Sealants help children, who may not have developed effective brushing skills yet, protect their teeth from decay and cavities.
- Supports Good Oral Hygiene Habits — Keeping teeth healthy and cavity-free helps promote optimal oral health now and for the future.
Can Adults Have Sealants?
If you are an adult with molars or back teeth that haven't had any sort of restoration and you tend to be prone to cavities, you may benefit from dental sealants. The process of placing sealants for adults is the same as for children, and you may not require any dental anesthesia during the procedure.
You'll brush and floss your teeth the same way you did before, and now you'll enjoy the protection against the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay.
If you would like to learn more about preventive dentistry in Barrie, including dental sealants, and determine if they might benefit you or your child, please contact your team at Park Place Dental at (705) 728-9922 to learn more.
