How do sealants help protect teeth from cavities?
Sealants are a protective coating placed over the chewing surfaces of molars, made of a plastic material similar to tooth-colored fillings. They act as a barrier to food and bacteria that cause decay in the pits and grooves of molars. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants may last for many years. So, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. Molars that are more deeply grooved have a higher risk of developing decay, and will benefit greatly from being sealed. For a child, the teeth most at risk of decay are the six-year and twelve-year molars.
