Sealants
A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth.  The most common area for children to get decay is on their permanent back teeth, which come in around the ages of 5 and 6.

Dental sealants prevent dental decay by sealing off deep grooves and pits on these teeth.  This makes the grooves of the teeth smoother so a toothbrush can more easily keep the tooth clean.

Sealants act as a great defense to cavities and can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.  Dental sealants can last for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups.

For more information, please visit:

The American Dental Association:
- Frequently Asked Questions about Sealants