What are dental sealants and who can benefit from them?
itsecThe chewing surface of teeth is most at risk for developing cavities, and least benefited from the protective effects from fluoride. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth and are very effective in preventing tooth decay. Current research shows that for children under the age of fifteen, 80% of cavities develop on the chewing surfaces of molars. Food and plaque accumulate in the tiny grooves of these chewing surfaces, which are normally very difficult to keep clean. In fact, toothbrush bristles may not effectively clean these grooves. Sealants prevent cavities by ‘sealing’ off these groves preventing bacteria to cause cavities in these areas.