Dental sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay up to 80% and they can last for years.

A dental sealant is a coating put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). It acts as a shield against tooth decay.

Applying sealants is painless. Each tooth is cleaned to make sure the sealant sticks. The liquid material is applied to the tooth and hardens quickly.

Sealants should be applied when kids are 5-14 years old. It’s best to apply them when the tooth is new. They are appropriate for baby teeth molars too.

Because sealants prevent cavities, dental plans cover them for kids with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Talk to your dentist about getting sealants for your kids.

Visit Delta Dental of South Dakota's #SmilePower blog for more tips on dental benefits and oral health.