The first permanent molar to appear in a child's mouth does so when they are aproximately six years of age. These molars have grooves in their chewing surfaces that many times are too narrow for the bristles of the toothbrush to clean. At this age you also have the problem of sweets like candy, chocolate, etc..., which can lead to rapid caries growth.

Even when the child demonstrates a clean mouth after brushing, the narrow grooves of the newly erupted molars can easily grow a cavity. The cavity can be fixed easily during a visit to your dentist by drilling the decay out and placing a filling which covers the hole left after the removal of the cavity, but some of these fillings may be prevented.

Today, (and for about two decades now) the dentist has a technique that allows him to seal these narrow grooves in the enamel of the molars soon after they erupt, when they are free from decay and more prone to cavities. By sealing these grooves with an acrylic resin material, you create a barrier against the bacteria that cause demineralization and cavities.

Dental sealants are very effective in the prevention of cavities in children's molars if done correctly when these teeth have recently erupted into the mouth.