Sealants for Your Keiki

Sealants are like a shield for your teeth. They are a thin covering painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). Sealants protect teeth by blocking plaque and bacteria from accumulating.

When applied in childhood, sealants can save a lot of money over a lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sealants can reduce cavities by up to 80% immediately and up to 60% for four years or more.

Dentists use sealants as part of the plan to ensure a healthy mouth. Getting sealants is quick, easy and painless!

Why should children get sealants?

• 90% of cavities occur in the back teeth, which do most of the chewing and are hard to reach and clean.
• Toothbrushes are not able to reach into all the grooves in teeth.
• A child’s new permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth.
• Without sealants, cavities can form, causing toothaches, infection and problems with eating, talking and learning.
• Sealants can prevent the expense and pain of treatments like fillings and crowns.
• Bacteria in the mouth can eventually affect other health problems.

Sealants are easily applied (it takes just minutes), safe, and painless! There is no drilling, and numbing shots are not usually needed.

When should sealants be applied?

Sealants work best when applied after molars come into the mouth – around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars.

• They usually last for five to 10 years and may need to be replaced after sealants become loose or worn.
• Your dentist will check the sealants during regular visits and reapply as needed.

Are sealants right for my child?

Check your plan document for coverage for sealants. Or contact us. Whichever plan you have, talk to your dentist about sealants today.

Need a dentist for your child?

Finding a dentist for your child is easy. Just visit hmsadental.com/find-a-dentist.