Dental Sealants for Children in Upland — Protect Growing Smiles from Cavities

Sealants are one of the strongest defenses against childhood cavities

Children’s molars have deep grooves that are difficult to clean — even with perfect brushing. Food and bacteria get trapped inside those grooves, making molars the most common site for cavities in kids. Dental sealants act as a protective shield, sealing the grooves to block plaque and bacteria before decay can start.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we provide safe and gentle dental sealants for children across Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Claremont, and Ontario to protect their smiles during the cavity-prone years.

📞 Want strong cavity protection for your child? Call (909) 946-9090 to schedule a dental sealant appointment.

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Young boy with mouth open wide in dental chair during dental examination with dentist wearing gloves

What are dental sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin, BPA-free resin coating that bonds to the chewing surface of back teeth. Once applied, it creates a protective barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves of molars.

  • Prevents up to 80% of childhood cavities

  • Fast, painless application

  • No drilling or numbing required

  • Lasts several years with normal eating and brushing

When should children get sealants?

Sealants are typically recommended:

  • When the first molars erupt (around age 6)

  • When the second molars erupt (around age 12)

Sealants can also be applied to baby teeth if a child is high-risk for cavities.

Are sealants safe for kids?

Yes. Sealants are recommended worldwide by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They are BPA-free and proven safe for long-term use.

Sealants vs. fluoride — which does my child need?

Sealants and fluoride are both powerful — but they protect different parts of the tooth.

  • Fluoride: Strengthens enamel on all surfaces

  • Sealants: Protect deep grooves on chewing surfaces

Most kids benefit from both for the strongest cavity prevention.

How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants typically last 3–7 years, depending on the child’s diet, brushing habits, and bite forces.

During regular checkups, we will inspect the sealants and reapply them if needed for continued protection.

Which children benefit most from sealants?

  • Kids who snack frequently between meals

  • Kids with deep grooves in their molars

  • Kids with a history of cavities

  • Kids who dislike flossing

  • Kids wearing braces (harder to clean back teeth)

📞 Call (909) 946-9090 to schedule your child’s dental sealants appointment in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Claremont, and Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are sealants painful?
No. Sealants are applied with a brush and hardened with a light — no numbing or drilling.
2Do sealants taste or feel different?
Sealants are smooth after hardening and most kids do not feel them at all.
3Can sealants fall off?
Sealants may wear down over time; they can be quickly reapplied during routine checkups if needed.
4Are sealants only for permanent teeth?
No. Sealants can also be placed on baby teeth for high-risk children.
5Can sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No. Sealants are protective, but children still need daily brushing and flossing.