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Dental sealants and fluoride are the two most effective ways to prevent cavities in children. Sealants are thin coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most childhood cavities start. Fluoride strengthens enamel on every surface of the tooth. Park Smiles NYC Pediatrics applies both at its Carnegie Hill office, with no drilling and no needles.
Call the children’s line: +1-212-461-9120 · Book a preventive visit
Sealants, Fluoride Varnish and Silver Diamine Fluoride Compared
Each treatment does a different job. Most children benefit from sealants and fluoride together.
| Treatment | What it does | Typical age | Time in the chair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental sealants | Seal deep grooves on molars against food and bacteria | 6 and 12, as molars come in | A few minutes per tooth |
| Fluoride varnish | Strengthens enamel and reverses early weak spots | From the first tooth | 1 to 2 minutes |
| Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) | Stops existing cavities from growing, without drilling | Any age, often toddlers and anxious children | 1 to 2 minutes |
According to the CDC, sealants prevent about 80% of cavities in back teeth for two years and continue to protect against about 50% for up to four years.
When Your Child Should Get Sealants
Sealants work best when placed soon after a molar comes in, before decay can start.
- First permanent molars usually come in around age 6.
- Second permanent molars usually come in around age 12.
- Premolars and baby molars with deep grooves can be sealed when the dentist sees a high cavity risk.
The dentist checks your child’s molars at every visit and recommends sealants as each tooth comes in.
How Sealants Are Applied
Applying a sealant is painless and takes a few minutes per tooth. No numbing or drilling is needed.
- Clean. The tooth is cleaned and polished.
- Prepare. A mild solution roughens the surface so the sealant bonds.
- Dry. The tooth is rinsed and kept dry with cotton.
- Paint. The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves.
- Set. A blue light hardens the sealant in seconds.
Your child can eat and drink normally right after the visit.
Fluoride Treatments at Every Checkup
Fluoride varnish is painted on the teeth at checkups and hardens on contact with saliva. Most children receive it every six months. Children at higher risk of cavities may receive it every three months.
At home, fluoride toothpaste does daily work. Use a rice-grain smear for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6. New York City tap water is fluoridated, which adds everyday protection.
Silver Diamine Fluoride: Stopping Cavities Without Drilling
Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid brushed onto a cavity to stop it from growing. It suits very young children, children with anxiety and children who need time before a filling. The treated decay turns dark, while healthy tooth around it stays its normal color. The dentist discusses this trade-off with you before using it.
Children Who Need Extra Protection
Some children have a higher risk of cavities and benefit from closer prevention:
- Children who have had cavities before.
- Children with deep grooves in their molars.
- Children who snack or sip juice often.
- Children with braces or other orthodontic appliances.
- Children with special healthcare needs or dry mouth from mouth breathing.
Why Families Choose Park Smiles for Sealants and Fluoride
- Pediatric specialists. Dr. Jessica Brezel Kaplan and Dr. Dascher Branch-Elliman assess each child’s cavity risk and tailor prevention to it.
- Sealant checks at every visit. Worn or chipped sealants are repaired before decay can start.
- Every prevention option in one office, including SDF for children who are not ready for fillings.
- Gentle, quick visits designed for young patients.
Meet Dr. Jessica Brezel Kaplan, or see all services on our pediatric dentistry page and our Upper East Side pediatric dentist page. New to the practice? Read about your child’s first dental visit.
Sealant and Fluoride Cost and Insurance
Most dental plans cover fluoride for children and cover sealants on permanent molars up to a set age. Park Smiles NYC works with most major dental insurance providers and verifies your child’s benefits before treatment.
Sealants and Fluoride FAQs
Do sealants hurt?
No. Sealants are painted on without needles or drilling. Most children feel only the cotton and the air used to dry the tooth.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last several years and often up to 10 years. The dentist checks them at every visit and repairs any that are worn.
Are sealants safe?
Yes. The American Dental Association states that sealants are safe and that any trace exposure to BPA from them is extremely low.
Is fluoride varnish safe for young children?
Yes. Fluoride varnish uses a small dose that sticks to the teeth and is safe from the first tooth onward.
How often should my child get fluoride?
Most children receive fluoride every six months. Children with a higher cavity risk may need it every three months.
Can sealants go on baby teeth?
Yes, when baby molars have deep grooves and a high cavity risk. The dentist decides tooth by tooth.
Does silver diamine fluoride stain teeth?
It darkens the decayed part of the tooth only. Healthy enamel keeps its color. Many parents choose it for back teeth or as a bridge until a filling is possible.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth Today
Sealants and fluoride take minutes and prevent years of cavities. Call the children’s line at +1-212-461-9120 or book online to visit Park Smiles NYC Pediatrics at 1175 Park Avenue.
We Provide Superior Results
At Park Smiles NYC in Carnegie Hill, Upper East Side, our mission is to provide every patient with exceptional care, prioritizing comfort, compassion, and excellence at every step.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding results through personalized attention in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Krystle Kendall, D.M.D., our skilled team offers a full range of top-quality dental services—all conveniently available under one roof in Carnegie Hill.
Our skilled team in Carnegie Hill, Upper East Side, NYC is dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental Treatments
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics
Oral Surgeon
Finance Your Treatment With Cherry Payment Plans
With Cherry we offer our patients the best “buy now, pay later” solution with high approvals, low cost, and a seamless experience.
Visit Our Office
Park Smiles NYC is proud to serve the historic Carnegie Hill community. Our office at 1175 Park Avenue is nestled among some of New York’s most iconic landmarks. We are:
Two blocks East of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park.
South of 96th Street, making us easily accessible via the 6 Train or the M1, M2, M3, and M4 bus lines on Madison and Fifth Avenue.
Walking distance to Museum Mile, including the Cooper Hewitt and Jewish Museum.
Easily accessible Upper East Side practice, located just two blocks from the 93rd Street entrance to Central Park and a short walk from the 96th St Q and 6 Subway stations.
- Park Smiles NYC Cosmetic Dentistry
- 1175 Park Ave # 1d, New York, NY 10128, United States
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Business Hours:
Monday: 9AM-5PM
Tuesday: 9AM-7PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 9AM-7PM
Friday: 9AM-5PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed - +1-212-988-6724
We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment today!
Schedule an Appointment with a Highly-Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in Carnegie Hill at Park Smiles NYC
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
Or Call +1-212-988-6724
