Dental Sealant

Definition: A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to keep food and bacteria out of the deep grooves where cavities often start.

Why it matters

The grooves on molars are hard to clean with a toothbrush, which is why most cavities in children’s permanent teeth start there. Sealants are quick and painless to apply and are often placed soon after the permanent molars come in.