Seal Out Decay

A dental sealant is a thin covering that is applied onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It acts as a barrier to “seal out” plaque and food. Sealants are a safe, painless, and easy way to help protect your teeth and keep them healthy.

Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.

Sealants Help Prevent Tooth Decay and Cavities

Your teeth are coated with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque (pronounced PLACK). Bacteria in plaque turn sugar from what you eat and drink into acids. These acids can break down the hard, outer layer of your teeth, called enamel (e-NAM-uhl). Over time, the acid can weaken your enamel and may cause tooth decay, or form a hole (cavity) in your tooth’s enamel.

Tooth decay often begins on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These surfaces have pits and grooves that trap plaque and bits of food. Toothbrush bristles may not always reach into the pits and grooves, and that makes it hard to keep them clean. The sealant material flows into the pits and grooves on those surfaces to stop bacteria and bits of food from getting trapped.

Even a toothbrush bristle is too big to reach inside a groove in the tooth (magnified).

Sealants Are Easy to Apply

It takes only a few minutes for your dentist to seal each back tooth.

Your tooth is cleaned and the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant materials stick to your tooth.
Then, the sealant is applied onto the chewing surface where it bonds to your tooth and hardens.
A special light may be used to help the sealant harden.
Sealants are usually clear or white and can’t be seen when you smile or talk.

Sealants Can Last for Several Years

Sealants can last several years before they need to be replaced. Over time, sealants can come off, which means they will not protect the teeth as well. Chewing on ice or hard foods can also break down sealants. During regular dental visits, your dentist will check the sealants and reapply them if needed.

Sealants are most often placed in children and teenagers. But, you never outgrow the risk of tooth decay and cavities, so adults can benefit from sealants, too.