Most childhood cavities start in the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants and fluoride varnish are two simple ways to protect those teeth. Neither needs freezing, drilling or needles, and children can eat normally the same day. Both are covered by CDCP for eligible children.
What is a dental sealant?
A sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of a molar. It fills the grooves where brushing cannot reach well. According to Canadian Dental Association data cited by the clinic, sealants can reduce decay on treated chewing surfaces by up to 80 percent in the first two years.
How sealants are placed (about 10 minutes per tooth)
- The tooth is cleaned, polished and kept dry.
- A mild conditioning gel is applied and rinsed off.
- Liquid sealant flows into the grooves and is hardened with a curing light.
- We check the bite.
What is fluoride varnish?
A concentrated fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth at the end of a hygiene visit. It takes about 2 minutes. Fluoride strengthens enamel and can sometimes reverse a very early lesion before it becomes a cavity. Sealants and fluoride work together; they are not alternatives.
When should children get sealants?
- About age 6: first permanent molars come in. Parents often miss them because no baby tooth falls out first.
- About age 12: second permanent molars arrive.
- Premolars: sealed as they come in if the grooves are deep.
- Baby molars: sealed in higher-risk children with decay or deep grooves.
- Adults: may benefit if they have deep, unfilled grooves, a history of cavities, dry mouth from medication, or gum recession.
Newly erupted enamel takes about three years to fully mature, so protecting new molars early matters. We check for new molars from age 5 at recall visits, and we do not seal teeth that already have decay.
Are sealants and fluoride safe?
Fluoride is considered safe and effective at professional and toothpaste doses, with support from the Canadian Dental Association, Health Canada and the World Health Organization. We also review your child's total fluoride exposure, including water and supplements, before recommending extra treatment. At home: a rice-grain smear of toothpaste under age 3, and a pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6, with supervised brushing so they spit rather than swallow.
How long do sealants last?
Many last several years. They can wear at the edges, so we check them at each 6-month visit and top up any chipped areas. Sealants do not protect between teeth or at the gumline, so brushing, flossing and fluoride still matter.
Cost and coverage
CDCP covers sealants and fluoride for eligible Canadian children, generally with no out-of-pocket cost. We are a participating provider. We confirm coverage before the appointment and direct-bill on the day. Most extended plans cover children's preventive care at a high percentage. We direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield and CDCP, and offer 0% in-house payment plans.
Before Your Visit
- Bring your child's CDCP or insurance card.
- Explain that the dentist will "paint" the teeth. It does not hurt.
- Brush your child's teeth before coming.
- Let us know about any allergies.
After Your Treatment
- Your child can eat normally after sealants.
- After fluoride varnish, give soft foods and cool drinks. Avoid hot drinks, alcohol-based rinses and hard or crunchy foods for a few hours.
- A dull or yellowish film may show on the teeth. It brushes off that evening.
- Keep brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Call us if a sealant feels rough or comes off.
Visit Brampton Smiles
50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6R 0Y7, near Bovaird Drive East. Phone: (905) 793-8668.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10 AM to 7 PM. Tue, Fri 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat 9 AM to 2 PM. Sun closed.
Book your child's sealants and fluoride visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do sealants hurt?
No. There is no freezing, drilling or needles.
Can a sealed tooth still get a cavity?
Yes, mainly between teeth or at the gumline, which sealants do not cover.
Can adults get sealants?
Yes, if they have deep, unfilled molar grooves.
What can my child eat after fluoride varnish?
Soft food and cool drinks right away. Avoid hot and hard foods for a few hours.
Does CDCP cover sealants and fluoride?
Yes, for eligible children.
How often should my child get fluoride?
Usually at each 6-month hygiene visit. Higher-risk children may need it more often.