How do dental sealants work?
Sealants are clear protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surface (pits and fissures) of the back teeth to help keep them cavity-free. The sealant application is painless and can be completed in one visit. Sealants should be applied to permanent molars as they erupt to prevent decay. Sealants that are properly applied and maintained help protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay.
Back teeth have irregular surfaces which make them ideal for chewing and grinding. However, back teeth often have pits and fissures (deep grooves), which are susceptible to decay causing bacteria. Bacteria is the leading cause of tooth decay. Sealants are used to fill in the deep grooves of the teeth by placing a protective barrier between the tooth and bacteria, to prevent decay, which can lead to the need of filling cavities.
