How do sealants work?

Sealants work by "sealing" the tiny grooves in teeth where it is difficult to keep clean. Toothbrush bristles are too thick to reach into the tiny grooves of certain teeth, and thus food and bacteria build up in these areas, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants basically "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk for decoy.  more

A sealant is a clear or white plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of permanent back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier to food, bacteria, plaque and acid, thus protecting these areas of the teeth to cavities.  more

Even if your child brushes his/her teeth and flosses carefully, it is difficult – sometimes impossible – to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Toothbrush bristles are just too thick to reach into the pits and fissures. Food and bacteria build up in these depressions placing your child in danger for decay. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque reducing the risk for decay.

Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult sometimes impossible to clean the tiny grooves and pits on the back teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, and create the perfect environment for a cavity. Sealants seal out food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.  more

Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult - sometimes impossible -to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

The paint-like material fills in all the valleys and grooves on the chewing surfaces. With these areas filled, it is much easier to keep them clean, thus preventing cavities.

Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult - sometimes impossible - to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Toothbrush bristles are just too thick to reach into the pits and fissures. Food and bacteria build up in these depressions, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk for decay.  more

Even children who take good care of their teeth by proper brushing and flossing are at risk for cavities. Toothbrush bristles are often too thick to reach into pits and fissures of certain teeth. Bacteria, plaque and food build-up in these pits place those teeth at risk of decay. Sealants work by "sealing" or covering the pits so harmful food and bacteria cannot collect there, thus greatly reducing the risk of cavities on the chewing surface of those teeth.  more

A. In many cases, it is near impossible for children to clean the tiny grooves between their teeth. When a sealant is applied, the surface of the tooth is somewhat flatter and smoother. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush can't reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.  more

In many cases, it is nearly impossible for children to clean the tiny grooves between their teeth. When a sealant is applied, the surface of the tooth is somewhat flatter and smoother. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush can't reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.  more