Dental Care

Dental sealants

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin coating that is placed on top of deep grooves and pits of teeth. Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay caused by food and bacteria that stick in these grooves and pits.

Dental sealants are mostly used in children and teens. It is best to place a dental sealant on a tooth as soon as it erupts (breaks through the gums).

How is it done?

Ask your dental health professional if they recommend dental sealants for your family. Placing a dental sealant is easy for a dental health professional to do. Dental sealant material is put on the tooth and then hardens over a short time.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for several years. They should be checked regularly by a dental health professional to make sure they are staying in place. If needed, a sealant can be repaired or replaced easily.

How else can I keep my teeth healthy?

Dental sealants are one part of keeping your teeth healthy. Dental sealants used together with these other ways help to prevent tooth decay:

• community water fluoridation
• fluoride applied by a dental health professional
• brushing two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily
• eating a diet low in added sugar

To see this information online and learn more, visit https://MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/AfterCareInformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_dentalcare_dentalsealants_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: August 4, 2022

Author: Chronic Disease Prevention – Oral Health, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.