Preventive Dentistry
Dental Sealants for Kids: Simple Cavity Protection
· 3 min read · Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team
Quick answer
Dental Sealants for Kids: Simple Cavity Protection
Dental sealants are a thin protective coating painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are quick, painless and greatly reduce the risk of cavities in the deep grooves where most childhood decay begins.
Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team · Updated October 12, 2026
When to get sealants
Usually when permanent molars come in, around ages 6 and 12.
The process
Clean, apply, cure — no numbing needed.
How long they last
Several years, checked at every visit.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — book an exam for advice specific to you.
Ready to talk about preventive dentistry?
Explore Preventive Dentistry