Seal Out Decay

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from decay (cavities). Because they have small pits and grooves, these surfaces are rough and uneven. Food and germs can get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there for a long time because toothbrush bristles are too large to brush them away. Sealants fill in the grooves and keep the food and bacteria out.

Why are They Needed?

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they come in. Sealants are checked for integrity at every dental visit. A onetime application of sealants results on a 30% reduction in decay. If repaired as they wear, they result in 80% less decay. Check-ups are an important part of your child's oral health and a good defense against tooth decay.