Every parent wants to protect their child’s smile—especially during the sugar-filled, schedule-free days of summer. While brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral health, they don’t always clean every tiny groove in your child’s back teeth. That’s where dental sealants step in to offer extra protection and peace of mind.
At CrossRoads Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to offer gentle, effective sealants that help guard your child’s teeth from decay. In this article, we’ll explore what sealants are, how they work, and why they’re a smart addition to your child’s dental care—especially during the cavity-prone summer season.
Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored coatings made from a safe resin material. We apply them to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars—the back teeth most vulnerable to cavities. These areas are often filled with pits and grooves that can trap food and bacteria, even with good brushing habits.
Think of sealants like a raincoat. Brushing and flossing are great for everyday protection, but sealants act as that extra layer when the weather (or in this case, sugar!) gets rough.
Children naturally face a higher risk of cavities. They’re still mastering their brushing techniques, they enjoy sugary and sticky snacks, and their molars have deep grooves that are difficult to keep clean. Even with regular brushing, bacteria can settle into these crevices and start causing decay.
Dental sealants create a smooth, protective surface that makes it harder for food particles and plaque to stick around. Once applied, they offer an added defense that significantly lowers the risk of cavities.
Here in Dallas, GA, prevention is at the heart of our care philosophy. Sealants are one of the simplest, most effective tools we use to prevent cavities. The application is quick—usually just a few minutes per tooth. There’s no drilling, no needles, and no discomfort.
Even better, sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80%. With good oral hygiene, they can last anywhere from five to ten years, giving your child long-lasting protection during their most cavity-prone years.
We typically recommend sealants around age six, when the first set of permanent molars appear, and again around age twelve for the second set. Not sure if your child is ready? We’re happy to evaluate their needs during your next appointment.
If your child is a little nervous about dental visits, you’ll be glad to know the sealant process is completely non-invasive and kid-friendly.
We begin by gently cleaning the tooth to remove any plaque or debris. Then we apply a special bonding solution to prepare the surface. The sealant material is carefully painted onto the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a curing light—like drying paint under a tiny flashlight.
There’s no discomfort during the procedure, and most kids don’t even notice a difference once the sealants are in place.
"After my daughter got sealants at CrossRoads, her checkups have been a breeze! We used to deal with at least one cavity a year, but since getting sealants, her teeth have stayed completely healthy. Dr. Driggers and the team were so patient and made her feel right at home. I only wish we’d done this sooner."
— Meghan P., Dallas, GA
Want to hear more about other families’ experiences? Visit our Doctor Reviews page for stories from local parents.
Are sealants covered by insurance?
Many plans do cover sealants for children. We’ll help check your coverage ahead of time.
Will my child feel the sealants?
Nope! Most kids don’t notice them at all once applied.
Can sealants go over small cavities?
In some cases, yes. If a cavity is caught very early, we may treat it and place a sealant to help prevent further decay.
How long do sealants last?
With proper care and routine visits, sealants can protect your child’s teeth for up to a decade.
Are sealants safe?
Absolutely. Sealants are made from materials approved by pediatric dental experts and have been used safely for decades.
If your child has recently developed their first or second set of permanent molars—or if you’re planning summer dental visits—this is the perfect time to consider sealants. They’re especially helpful as a preventive step before the sugary snacks and travel routines of summer take over.
You can learn more about how we use sealants and other tools to protect your child’s teeth on our Preventative Services page.
Preventive care today can mean fewer dental issues tomorrow. At CrossRoads Pediatric Dentistry, we make it easy, affordable, and even fun to keep your child’s smile strong and healthy.
Call us at 770-738-5437 or contact us online to schedule your child’s dental sealant appointment. We’re here to help you set your child up for a lifetime of confident, cavity-free smiles.