Dental Sealants
For Kids in Washington DC. and McLean VA
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth (molars and premolars). These surfaces often have deep grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can accumulate and hide, making them more susceptible to decay and increasing the risk of kids cavity development. Sealants act as a barrier, they seal off those grooves, creating a smooth surface that helps prevent bacteria and acids from reaching the tooth enamel and causing cavities (tooth decay).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in permanent molars, making them one of the most effective preventive treatments for kids and teens in pediatric dentistry.
How Sealants Help Prevent Kids Cavity
Children are especially prone to cavities as they learn to brush properly and develop consistent oral hygiene habits. Even with good brushing, it can be difficult to clean the deep pits of molars thoroughly.
Sealants act as a barrier that:
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Blocks bacteria and food particles
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Reduces the risk of enamel breakdown
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Protects hard-to-reach chewing surfaces
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Lowers the chance of developing a kids cavity
By placing sealants early, we can significantly
Dental sealants prevent about 80% of cavities in the first two years after placement and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years, making them one of the most cost-effective and evidence-based tools for preventing kids cavity development in permanent molars and reducing the need for future fillings and more extensive dental treatment.
Studies show that school-age children without dental sealants have almost three times more cavities in their first permanent molars compared to children with sealants. In fact, the CDC estimates that more than 7 million cavities in U.S. children could be prevented by properly placing sealants on permanent molars, highlighting how impactful this simple preventive treatment can be in reducing kids cavity rates nationwide.
What to Expect During the Appointment
Sealant placement is quick, comfortable, and completely painless:
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The tooth is gently cleaned.
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A special solution prepares the surface.
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The sealant material is brushed onto the tooth.
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A curing light hardens the sealant in seconds.
The entire process takes just minutes per tooth — no drilling, no numbing, and no discomfort.
After Your Child's Dental Sealants: What to Expect
Dental sealants are one of the most effective ways to help prevent cavities in children’s back teeth. The good news is that aftercare is very simple, and your child can return to normal activities right away.
Immediately after sealant placement:
Sealants harden quickly, so your child can eat and drink shortly after the appointment. For the first 24 hours, however, we recommend avoiding very hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as gummies, caramel, hard candy, popcorn, and ice. These foods can interfere with how the sealant bonds to the tooth surface during the initial settling period.
Bite adjustment:
Some children notice that their bite feels slightly different after sealants are placed. This is completely normal and usually resolves within a few days as the material naturally settles. If your child’s bite still feels uneven or uncomfortable after one week, please contact our office so we can make a simple and quick adjustment.
What sealants do and don't protect:
Sealants protect the deep grooves and chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are the areas where most childhood cavities develop. However, sealants do not protect the spaces between teeth, which is why regular flossing remains essential to prevent cavities from developing in those areas.
How long sealants last:
Sealants are durable but naturally wear down over time. Most sealants last between 3–5 years and may need to be reapplied during future visits. Dr. Mohammadi carefully checks your child’s sealants at every routine cleaning and exam to ensure they remain intact and effective,
Brushing and flossing: No changes needed. Your child should continue brushing and flossing normally after sealant placement. Good daily oral hygiene, combined with regular dental visits, helps sealants work most effectively to protect your child’s smile from cavities.
Long-Lasting Protection for Growing Smiles
With proper care and regular checkups, dental sealants can last several years. During your child’s routine visits, we check the sealants to ensure they remain intact and effective.
At Beverly Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on preventive care to stop kids cavity concerns before they start. Our gentle, child-friendly approach ensures every visit is calm, positive, and educational.
Schedule Your Child's Dental Sealants Appointment in McLean VA or Washington DC
Beverly Pediatric Dentistry offers comprehensive dental sealant services for kids and teens at both of our convenient locations in McLean VA and Washington DC.
Our McLean office is located at 1363 Beverly Road Suite 250, McLean, VA 22101—call us at 703-752-2200 to book your appointment on Mondays (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) or Tuesdays (11:30 AM - 6:00 PM). We proudly serve families in McLean, Reston, Vienna, Arlington, Great Falls, Falls Church, and Tysons Corner.
Our Washington DC office is at 1426 21st NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle area)—reach us at 202-331-3474 for appointments on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). We serve families throughout Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Kalorama Heights, West End, Logan Circle, and Woodley Park.
Contact Beverly Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child's dental sealant appointment today! We are here to provide outstanding preventative care and tips on maintaining your child’s oral health. Dr. M and our team look forward to working alongside you to give your child strong protection against cavities and ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles!