Written by Dr James Tran, principal dentist at Lumi Dental.
Dental sealants are a simple, painless way to protect children's back teeth from decay, and the evidence for them is strong. A sealant is a thin protective coating painted into the grooves of the molars, where cavities most often start. Research shows sealants can substantially reduce decay in these teeth, and they are quick to apply with no drilling. This guide explains how sealants work, what the evidence says, when to have them, and whether the CDBS helps with the cost.
Key takeaways
- Sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to keep decay out of the grooves.
- They are most useful on the permanent molars, which typically come through around age 6 and age 12.
- Evidence shows sealants can meaningfully reduce decay in sealed back teeth compared with unsealed ones.
- Applying a sealant is quick, painless, and involves no drilling or numbing.
- Sealants may be covered for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
What dental sealants are
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are not smooth. They have deep grooves and pits called fissures, which are ideal hiding places for food and bacteria and are very hard to clean with a toothbrush. A dental sealant is a thin, tooth coloured or clear resin coating that is flowed into these grooves and set hard, creating a smooth surface that plaque and food cannot lodge in. In effect, it seals off the most cavity prone part of the tooth so decay struggles to get started.
Which teeth, and when
Sealants are most valuable on the permanent molars, because these teeth do the heavy chewing and have the deepest grooves. The first permanent molars usually appear around age 6 and the second molars around age 12, and sealing them soon after they erupt gives the best protection, before decay has a chance to begin. Sometimes the baby molars are sealed too if a child is at higher risk of decay. Your dentist will check which teeth would benefit and time the sealants to when the molars have come through.
How they are applied
Getting a sealant is one of the easiest dental appointments a child can have. There is no drilling and no numbing. The tooth is cleaned and dried, a gel is applied briefly to help the sealant stick and then rinsed off, the tooth is dried again, and the liquid sealant is painted into the grooves and hardened with a light. Each tooth takes only a few minutes. Children usually find it quick and comfortable, which makes it a nice, low stress way to build positive dental experiences early.
What the evidence says
Sealants are one of the better studied preventive measures in dentistry, and the research is favourable. Systematic reviews consistently find that sealing the permanent back teeth reduces decay in those teeth compared with leaving them unsealed, with the benefit clearest in children at higher risk of cavities. Sealants and fluoride work in different ways and complement each other, sealants forming a physical barrier in the grooves while fluoride strengthens the enamel more broadly. Used together with good brushing, they give back teeth solid protection through the higher risk childhood years.
| Feature | Dental sealants |
|---|---|
| Best teeth | Permanent molars (around age 6 and 12) |
| Procedure | Quick, painless, no drilling |
| Main benefit | Reduces decay in sealed grooves |
| Lasts | Several years, checked at routine visits |
| Possible funding | May be covered by the CDBS |
How long sealants last and caring for them
Sealants are durable but not permanent. They can last several years, and your dentist checks them at routine visits and can repair or reapply one if it chips or wears. A sealant does not replace daily care, so children still need to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth as they get older, and keep up regular check-ups. Sealing the grooves protects the surface most at risk, but the smooth surfaces and gumline still rely on good brushing. Think of sealants as one useful layer in a child's overall prevention.
Does the CDBS cover sealants?
For eligible children, fissure sealants are among the services covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which can make this preventive treatment very affordable or bulk billed up to the cap. If your family qualifies, sealing the molars is a smart way to use part of the benefit, since preventing decay is cheaper and easier than treating it. Our guide to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule explains eligibility and the cap, and the child's first dental visit guide covers building good habits early.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Yes. Sealants have a long track record and are considered safe and effective. The amount of material used is tiny, and the procedure is non-invasive with no drilling. If you have any concerns, your dentist can talk through the materials used and why sealing the molars is recommended for your child.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are usually applied soon after the permanent molars come through, around age 6 for the first molars and around age 12 for the second molars. Sealing them early, before decay starts, gives the best protection. Your dentist will check at routine visits when each molar is ready to be sealed.
Do sealants hurt?
No. Applying a sealant is painless and needs no drilling or numbing. The tooth is cleaned, prepared, and the coating is painted on and set with a light, taking only a few minutes per tooth. Most children find it one of the easiest things done at the dentist.
Can adults get dental sealants too?
Yes, adults with deep grooves and no decay in their back teeth can also benefit from sealants, though they are most commonly used in children whose new molars are most at risk. If you are an adult prone to decay in the chewing surfaces, ask your dentist whether sealants might help alongside other preventive measures.
The takeaway
Dental sealants are a quick, painless, and evidence backed way to protect the teeth most likely to decay, making them well worth considering for most children as their molars come through. They work best alongside good brushing, fluoride, and regular check-ups, and they may be covered for eligible children under the CDBS. To find out whether sealants would help your child, the team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park can advise at a check-up. Explore our general dental care or current offers on the deals page. This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice.
