Sealants
Sealants are used to help protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from decaying. Normal pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can trap food that can’t be removed by brushing or washed out by water or saliva. A sealant is a tough, plastic material designed to bond (stick) to tooth enamel. These clear or tooth colored sealants are painted onto the tooth surface to “seal” the pits and grooves and protect against decay.
They are generally applied to children’s first permanent back teeth but they can also be useful for adults in certain situations. Sealants are an excellent way to protect chewing surfaces of teeth from decay and they are a much better financial investment than treating decay after it has started.
Sealants are not permanent. They generally last about five years with normal wear, but can wear off or chip off earlier in certain instances.
Also, sealants do not prevent decay between teeth or the onset of gum disease, so regular home care and dental visits are important. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day
For more information on sealants, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.