The CDC calls tooth decay “one of the greatest unmet health treatment needs.” They report that “Among adults aged 20 and older, about 90% have had at least one cavity. 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently has at least one cavity.” These statistics capture a big-picture glimpse of the tooth decay that affects so many people. They also provide an important reminder: cavities can sneak up at any time. They develop easily and are much more reluctant to leave. Today, we want to focus on one overlooked method for preventing cavities: the application of dental sealants.

What are dental sealants for?

            A dental sealant isn’t the same as a cavity filling, although it might sound like it. Sealants are preventative measures. Their job is to keep cavities from developing. They work by sealing out bacteria and food bits from grooves and crevices on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. The goal isn’t to create a completely smooth surface, but to lessen the spaces food and debris could get trapped. The process is simple. The Cleveland Clinic explains that “Sealants are thin, liquid coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (premolars and molars). Once applied, a dentist cures and hardens the sealant material to shield and protect your teeth from harmful cavity-causing bacteria.” The finished effect is something like what you see below:

Sometimes, you’ll hear these treatments referred to as fissure sealants. They are typically made from either plant resin, synthetic resin, or glass ionomers. Whatever the material, their goal is the same: to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from finding a place to lodge.

How well do they work?

            Sealants are remarkably effective at their job. According to the CDC, “Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities over 2 years in the back teeth, where 9 in 10 cavities occur.” They also report that sealants continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years after their application. By targeting the main problem area for cavities, evidence suggests that sealants significantly lower the chance of developing tooth decay.

Do I still need to get them if I’m an adult?

            You may be thinking—these sound great, but I thought dental sealants were something that children got!

            It’s true that dental sealants are often applied when a person is young, corresponding to the arrival of their adult premolars and molars. The premolars tend to come in around age 6-7. The molars may take until the child is 14 to arrive. If the child has particularly deep grooves in their teeth, then it is good for them to be sealed as soon as possible. This is why dentists often recommend dental sealants for children.

            However, if the chewing surfaces of your teeth are particularly uneven and you haven’t had sealants on them, being an adult does not mean that you can’t take advantage of the benefits of sealants now! Sealants cost a third of what it costs to get a cavity filled. It is far better financially to prevent the cavity, rather than have to have it filled—not to mention the pain you’d save yourself. The only thing that would be a problem is if the tooth already had decay. As previously discussed, dental sealants are preventative, not restorative treatment.

If your tooth already had a cavity, it would most likely need to be filled in before the dental sealant could be applied. Otherwise, adults are still perfectly eligible candidates for sealants. Some worry about dental sealants for adults because the tooth has spent a much longer time in the microbiome of the mouth. They fear that systems of bacteria would get trapped under the sealant, intensifying decay instead of preventing it. However, dentists can clear out areas of decay before applying dental sealants on adults. Speak with your dentist about whether you would be an optimal candidate for dental sealants.

Does insurance cover dental sealants?

            If you’re an adult considering dental sealants, your next question probably naturally has to do with the cost. The good news is, dental sealants are a relatively affordable treatment, considering the powerful benefits they offer for dental health. It usually costs about $30-$60 to have one tooth sealed. Delta Dental reports that while insurance often covers them for children under 18, adults are rarely covered.

            In conclusion, dental sealants are an excellent preventative measure against the corrosive power of dental decay. While they are typically applied to children when their pre-molars and molars arrive, they can still be taken advantage of, even if you’ve passed that point. Simply discuss your options with your dentist, and you can decide together whether dental sealants are the best cavity-prevention strategy for you. And remember, whether you do or don’t get dental sealants, brushing and flossing and keeping up with dental appointments remain the most foundational building blocks of oral health success. Nothing, not even sealants, replaces the basics. If you have further questions about dental sealants specifically or oral hygiene in general or would simply like to schedule your next appointment, please contact our office today.