Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). The sealant material is painted onto the teeth in a liquid form and hardens to create a protective barrier on the tooth. This barrier helps keep food and plaque from getting trapped in the tiny crevices on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which can cause tooth decay.
Dental sealants are most effective in preventing tooth decay when they are applied to children’s teeth soon after they emerge from the gums and enter the mouth. While we most often recommend sealants for children who are first learning how to brush properly, we also will apply sealants for adults who are prone to tooth decay or have particularly deep fissures in the pits of these teeth.
