Extra protection for growing teeth

Back teeth have deep little grooves where food and bacteria love to hide, and even great brushers can miss them. Dental sealants are a simple way to protect those teeth. At Brave Kids Dental Co., we place sealants for kids in Sandy, UT quickly and gently, with no needles and no drilling.

What are dental sealants?

Sealants are a thin, protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Once set, they seal off the deep grooves so plaque and food can't settle in, which helps prevent cavities where they most often start.

When do kids get sealants?

Most children get sealants when their first permanent molars fully come in, around age 6, and again when their second molars arrive, around age 12. Dr. Vy will keep an eye on your child's teeth at each exam and let you know when they're ready.

Sometimes she may recommend sealants on baby molars with very deep grooves, or for kids who are more prone to cavities. She'll always explain why, so you can decide together.

Why sealants are worth it

• They help prevent cavities. Sealing the grooves protects the surfaces where most kids' cavities begin.
• They're quick and comfortable. No needles, no drills and just a few minutes per tooth.
• They protect new adult teeth. Permanent molars need to last a lifetime, and sealants help them get off to a strong start.
• They can save future treatment. Preventing a cavity is always easier than fixing one.

What to expect, step by step

1. A quick clean. We gently clean the tooth so the sealant can stick.
2. A little prep. We keep the tooth dry and prepare the surface. Your child can watch the ceiling TV while we work.
3. Paint it on. We brush the sealant onto the grooves of the tooth.
4. Set it. A special light helps the sealant harden in seconds.
5. All done. Your child can usually eat normally right away.

We explain each step in kid-friendly words before we do it, so there are no surprises.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants can protect teeth for years. We check them at every visit and touch them up if they wear down, so the protection keeps working.

Sealants and fluoride: a great team

Sealants protect the grooves, while fluoride strengthens the whole tooth. Together with regular cleanings and good brushing at home, they give your child's smile excellent protection.

Comfortable for every child

Because sealants don't need numbing or drilling, they're one of the easiest treatments for kids. For children who find it hard to keep their mouth open or feel sensitive to new sensations, we go slowly, offer breaks and use noise-reducing headphones and weighted lap pads. Learn more about our sensory-friendly dentistry.

A tip for parents

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but not the spaces between teeth. Keep up with flossing once teeth touch, and save sticky, chewy candy for special occasions to help sealants last longer.