What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are plastic coatings usually placed on the chewing (occlusal) surface of the permanent back teeth — the molars and premolars — to help protect them from decay.
Why are dental sealants placed on teeth?
The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have grooves — "fissures" — that make them vulnerable to decay. These fissures can be deep, difficult to clean, and narrower than even a single bristle of a toothbrush.
Plaque accumulates in these areas. The acid from bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel and cavities can develop. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and protects all the surfaces of the teeth. Dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooved and pitted areas by providing a smooth surface covering the fissured area.
When are dental sealants placed?
Since dental sealants provide such strong prevention against tooth decay, they're typically used with children and teenagers once their molars come in.
