Dental sealants: the single best cavity prevention for 6-year molars

The first permanent molars arrive around age 6. They have deep grooves that no toothbrush can fully clean — and that's where 90% of childhood cavities start. Sealants close those grooves before bacteria can settle in.

What sealants actually are A thin, tooth-coloured resin painted onto the chewing surface of a molar and hardened with a blue light. No drilling, no numbing, no pain.

How long they last A well-placed sealant lasts 5–10 years and is checked at every routine visit. If a corner chips, the dentist tops it up in 2 minutes.

When to place them As soon as the molar has fully erupted — usually around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars. Some pediatric dentists also seal deep grooves on baby molars in high-risk children.

What it actually costs Without insurance: $30–$60 per tooth. With insurance: usually covered at 80–100% under preventive benefits.

The 80% cavity-reduction number The CDC follows sealed vs unsealed children for years. Sealed molars develop 80% fewer cavities in the first two years and 50% fewer at four years.