What are Sealants?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from decay (cavities). Because they have small pits and grooves, these surfaces are rough and uneven. Food and germs can get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there for a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away. Sealants fill in the grooves and keep the food out.
Why are They Needed?
Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they come in--before decay attacks the teeth. Sealants, daily brushing and flossing, drinking fluoridated water, and regular dental check-ups are an important part of your child’s oral health and the best defense against tooth decay.
To learn more about sealants and tooth decay, please see:
Publications
Publications in Spanish
Statistics
Other Government Information
- Dental Sealants Frequently Asked Questions
A fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explains what sealants are, how they are applied, how long they last, and the benefits of sealants.
- MedlinePlus: Dental Sealants
The National Library of Medicine's compilation of links to government, professional and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on dental sealants.
Related Oral Health Topics
NOTE: PDF documents require the free Adobe Reader.