Dental Sealants |

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the grooves on the chewing surface of back molars to protect them from cavities. Most tooth decay in children and teens happens on these surfaces. These teeth have pits and grooves that trap plaque, bacteria and bits of food. The pits and grooves are hard to keep clean, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. Sealants effectively prevent tooth decay on the back teeth and can save patients money in the long run.

Sealants are most often applied to the teeth of children and teenagers since decay can start soon after teeth come in. But adults can sometimes benefit from sealants if they are at high risk for decay and have deep pits and grooves in their molars. Sealants often last several years before they wear away.

Sealants are a thin plastic coating that protects bacteria and food from lodging in the cracks and crevices of teeth, particularly the back teeth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. This cavity prevention technique is especially effective with children, and it’s recommended that they have sealants applied to their back teeth as soon as their adult molars appear.

As effective as sealants are, they don’t take the place of good at-home preventative dental care. Both children and adults should brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day, ideally right after meals. The proper way to brush and floss teeth is to floss first and then brush, spending two to three minutes on your teeth. Rinsing after you brush with an anticavity mouthwash helps to further prevent cavities.