January 22, 2025. The Daily Reflector. By Maya Grimes.

Would you rather prevent a disease from happening or treat it once it happens?

As an ECU School of Dental Medicine student and NC Schweitzer Fellow, I see first-hand the important role dental sealants play in protecting one’s teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “dental sealants reduce the risk of decay by almost 80% yet fewer than 50% of children have dental sealants even though they are covered by insurance.” Why? Many of the parents I see are unaware of their effectiveness, leading to missed opportunities for early cavity prevention.

In fact, if one is prone to tooth decay in their back teeth, dental sealants are advised for teens and adults, too. According to the National Institutes of Health, several studies indicate that dental sealants can be highly beneficial for adults, particularly those with deep grooves in their molars, as they can effectively prevent further tooth decay and arrest the progression of an early stage of decay. In a world where dental care costs and the burden of tooth decay weigh heavily on families, dental sealants provide an affordable, safe and simple solution that deserves the spotlight.

So, what are dental sealants? A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating used on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to seal the deep grooves. It protects the teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. It is a simple and painless procedure which only takes a few minutes.

Here are some myths about sealants you should be aware of:

• Dental sealants are only for kids with cavities: Sealants can be for people of any age if the surface of the tooth doesn’t already have a cavity.
• Sealants are not durable and need frequent replacements: Although thin, these coatings are durable and tend to last 5-10 years if taken care of, which is great considering the benefit they provide to your teeth.
• Sealants contain harmful chemicals: Sealants do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins; they are BPA-free and safe for you and your child. The sealant material has undergone numerous testing to ensure safety for all people.
• Sealants are only for children and not necessary for adults: Children benefit more from sealants than adults because they can prevent early childhood cavities, but sealants can provide a benefit as well in adults with deep grooves in their molars.
• Sealants make teeth prone to decay: Sealants provide a barrier that protects the tooth from bacteria which can turn into a cavity — they protect your teeth from decay.

Educating ourselves on the importance of dental sealants is vital to promoting oral health and preventing cavities, especially in children. By spreading awareness within our communities, we can encourage proactive dental care and reduce the long-term costs of treatment.

In conclusion, increasing awareness of dental sealants and advocating for insurance coverage of sealants to ensure broader access will help to create healthier, more equitable smiles for people (and their pockets).

Maya Grimes is a 2024-25 N.C. Schweitzer Fellow and a member of the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2026.