When should the first molars typically be sealed?

The first molars typically emerge in children around the ages of 6 to 7 years, making this the ideal time for sealing them. Sealants are preventive dental materials applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect against cavities, especially in the pits and grooves that can trap food and bacteria.

By sealing the first molars at this age, dental professionals capitalize on the period shortly after these teeth erupt, ensuring that they are protected before the child is exposed to sugary foods and beverages. This proactive approach helps to prevent dental decay at a crucial time in a child's oral development, reducing the risk for future cavities.

Sealing at 3-4 years may be too early, as the first molars have not yet fully erupted. Sealing them at 5-6 years is also premature for the first molars, which generally come in a bit later. Waiting until 8-9 years would miss the optimal window for sealant application, potentially leaving the newly emerged molars unprotected for too long as they are more susceptible to cavities immediately after eruption.