How do dental sealants work?
Permanent molars and premolars have deep grooves on the chewing surface that plaque and bacteria like to live in. A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the grooves of the back teeth, where four out of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth (similar to weather-sealing your deck). The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. Baby teeth tend to be more prone to cavities between the teeth rather than the chewing surfaces. Based on your child’s caries risk assessment, your child’s dentist may also recommend sealants on the primary teeth.
A dental sealant is typically applied by a kids dentist to the top surfaces of the teeth. Top top surfaces of the teeth can contain deep grooves that can collect food and form cavities. The dental sealant covers these grooves, thereby helping to prevent cavity formation.
