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Cavity armor for kids

Sealants and Fluoride at Kitto Family Dental

Sealants and fluoride are simple, gentle ways to help prevent cavities in kids’ teeth. No drills, no shots, just a few minutes.

Call (805) 922-4109Book your child’s visit
Three generations of a family laughing together outdoors
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Simple protection that helps prevent cavities.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth to seal out the bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride treatments are quick in-office applications of a professional-strength fluoride that strengthens enamel. Both are painless and take just a few minutes.

What are the benefits of sealants and fluoride?

Seals up the nooks

Sealants cover the pits where food and bacteria collect on back teeth.

Tougher enamel

Fluoride varnish helps enamel resist early decay.

No drills, no shots

Painted on and set in minutes, with no shots.

Fewer fillings later

Preventing a cavity is simpler than repairing one.

Grown-ups, too (sometimes)

Adults with deep grooves and no fillings may benefit.

Part of routine care

Easy to add to a cleaning visit.

Dental sealants.

The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves that are hard to clean, no matter how well a child brushes. Sealants fill those grooves with a thin, tooth-colored material that bonds to the enamel and creates a smooth surface.

The procedure is simple: we clean the tooth, apply a conditioning gel, rinse, paint on the sealant, and cure it with a light. No numbing, no drilling, no discomfort. Each tooth takes a few minutes.

Sealants typically last several years and are easy to repair or replace if they wear down. They are recommended for first permanent molars (around age 6) and second permanent molars (around age 12).

Professional fluoride.

Fluoride strengthens enamel against the acids that cause decay. Everyday fluoride toothpaste is important, but a professional-strength fluoride treatment applied at a cleaning visit provides stronger, longer-lasting protection.

Fluoride treatments are typically a quick varnish or foam applied to the teeth. They take under a minute. We recommend them for kids and teens at regular hygiene visits.

Who should get sealants and fluoride?

Most children. Especially those with:

  • Newly erupted permanent molars (first molars around 6, second molars around 12)
  • A history of cavities
  • Deep grooves in their back teeth that are hard to clean
  • A family history of cavity-prone teeth

Some adults with specific risk factors (dry mouth, exposed root surfaces, or a history of multiple cavities) also benefit from occasional fluoride treatment. Ask us if it applies to you.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why protect teeth before a cavity starts?

The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves that a toothbrush can’t fully clean. Sealants and fluoride add a layer of protection during the years when cavities are most common.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about sealants and fluoride?

Are sealants safe?
Yes. Sealants are a well-established preventive treatment used in pediatric dentistry for decades. The small amount of material used is bonded to the tooth and doesn’t come off.
How long do sealants last?
Several years with normal care. We check sealants at every cleaning visit and repair or replace them if they wear down.
Does my child need fluoride if they drink fluoridated water?
Children who drink fluoridated tap water benefit from that daily low-dose exposure. A professional-strength fluoride treatment at hygiene visits adds a stronger, concentrated layer of protection that complements daily fluoride intake.
Does insurance cover sealants and fluoride?
Most pediatric dental benefits cover sealants and fluoride through age 14 or 16, depending on the plan. Adult coverage for fluoride varies. We verify your specific benefits.
At what age should kids get sealants?
Sealants are often placed on permanent back molars soon after they come in, usually around age 6 and again around age 12. Some children benefit from sealants on other teeth too. We check at each visit.
Does getting a sealant hurt?
No. There’s no drilling or numbing. We clean the tooth, paint on the sealant, and harden it with a light. Each tooth takes only a few minutes.
Can adults get sealants?
Sometimes. Adults with deep grooves and no fillings on their back teeth may benefit. We’ll tell you if it makes sense for you.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideWhen Should My Child See the Dentist?Why a first visit by age one helps, and how to make it easy.Patient guideHow Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?Twice a year fits most people. Here’s who needs more, or less.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Cavity armor, applied in minutes.

A quick visit now can save a lot of fillings later.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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