Sealants

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material usually
applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay
occurs most often.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth
surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions
and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by
“sealing out” plaque and food.

The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and
hardens. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel
from plaque and acids. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be
protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may
last several years before a reapplication is needed.
The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and
teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.