Nothing beats brushing, flossing and healthy snacking for a healthy mouth, but dental sealants provide young teeth with some added insurance.

Q: What are sealants?

A: Sealants are thin protective coatings placed on teeth to prevent cavities.

Q: Do they work?

A: Research shows that sealants are 100% effective at preventing cavities on molars, the teeth in the back of the mouth where kids get cavities most often. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”

Q: Do dentists recommend them?

A: Yes! Dentists and doctors recommend sealants as a way to prevent cavities in kids.

Q: When should my child get sealants?

A: It’s best for children to get sealants between ages 6 – 13.

Q: Where do I get them?

A: Sealants can be applied at your child’s dental office or at school if your child’s school has a sealant program.

Q: Do they wear off?

A: Dental sealants can come off (and often do). For the most part, they just wear away over time. If the sealant comes off, the tooth is just back to normal and the sealant(s) can be replaced. As a general rule, 50% of sealants last over 5 years.

Q: What do dental sealants cost?

A: The cost can range from $30 to $40 per tooth, but other factors, such as geographic area, can affect pricing.

Q: Does insurance cover sealants?

A: Medicaid (Apple Health in Washington) covers sealants, so do most insurance plans. Call your insurance company to confirm.