The 411 on Tooth Sealants and What They do for You

Everyone has pits and fissures in their teeth.  Pits and fissures are the infolded tooth enamel and deep grooves that are visible on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth and molars.  Because the grooves are so deep and varying, it is often difficult to reach these areas with a toothbrush and dental floss.  Bacteria begins to grow, causing tartar, then plaque to form, which lead to dental caries.  In fact, more than half of all dental caries occur in the areas of the teeth that contain pits and fissures.

Recent research revealed that over 83 percent of the decayed tooth surfaces in children between 5 and 17 occurred in areas with pits and fissures.  A proven way to protect teeth from dental decay and caries in these hard-to-reach areas is using a dental sealant. 

A dental sealant is a clear or shaded plastic coating that gets applied to the fissures and pits of teeth at a dental office.  Dental sealants actually block harmful bacteria from reaching the depressions in the tooth's surface to prevent dental caries.  In fact, dental sealants can reduce tooth decay in pit and fissure areas by up to 95 percent.  Because they are so effective, the American Dental Association deems dental sealants to be a safe, effective way to prevent tooth decay and recommends that they be used on all children.

The use of dental sealants in young people can prevent costly dental work in the future and protect their teeth today for a healthier, more attractive smile.