Who should receive Sealants?
Children receive the greatest benefit from sealants because they have newly erupted, permanent teeth. The teeth that benefit the most from sealants are permanent molars and premolars. Between the ages of five and seven, children get four permanent molars and between ages of 12 and 14,they get four more permanent molars and sometimes eight permanent premolars. The chewing surfaces of a child’s teeth are most susceptible to cavities and the least benefited by fluoride. Most cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child’s newly, erupted teeth because food particles and bacteria cannot be cleaned out. Sealants can prevent these cavities! [top] Will Sealants replace fluoride? No, fluoride is necessary to prevent decay as well. Fluoride works best on the smooth surfaces of teeth. The chewing surfaces on the back teeth have tiny grooves where decay often begins. Sealants keep bacteria out of the grooves and together, sealants and fluoride act to prevent tooth decay.
