Plaque often is found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, from which it is difficult to remove by brushing and flossing alone. This is tooth decay. Coating your teeth with a slippery plastic material makes it harder for plaque to stick to the tiny grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth - reducing the risk of forming cavities and tooth decay. Your dentist may use a special instrument to apply the plastic sealant on your teeth. Most often, it is a painless treatment that lasts for many months.
Sealants are most effective in reducing cavities in children with newly formed permanent teeth.
They are useful in cutting down formation of decay in adult teeth, as well. An application of sealants is a preventive measure to keep teeth healthy. It is an effective way to reduce the need for fillings and more expensive treatment that may be required to repair the damage from cavities, so sealants can also save you money. Ask your dentist whether sealants would be an appropriate treatment for you and your children.