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The pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these intricate structures, which gives bacteria and food debris a place to settle into the deep crevices on the tops of your teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin liquid coatings that harden on the chewing surfaces of teeth. They act as a barrier that keeps bacteria and other debris out of those deep grooves. Sealants were developed about 50 years ago and became commonly used in the 1970s. Today, they are a widely used and effective way to help prevent cavities.
Who Benefits Most from Sealants?
Young children are great candidates for sealants, especially on their molars, because in many cases decay has not set in yet. Sealants are not only for kids, though. Even on teeth where decay has begun, sealants have been shown to help fight additional damage.
Curious about the appointment itself? Read Getting Dental Sealants: What to Expect.