The chewing surface of your teeth are not smooth. They have grooves and pits where plaque and food particles can collect. The bristles on your toothbrush often cannot reach all the way down in the grooves (as seen in the picture). A sealant is a coating that can be placed by your dental office to protect those grooves and pits from bacteria and plaque to help prevent cavities in those areas.
Which teeth benefit from Sealants? All adult/permanent pre-molars and molars can benefit, but they are typically most effective when placed within the first 6 to 12 months of when the tooth erupted into the mouth. On average, the first permanent molars erupt at age 6 and the second permanent molars erupt at age 12, although they can erupt earlier or later depending on the patient.
Please come see us for all your questions regarding sealants and to see if your child can benefit from this preventive procedure.