Sealants are safe, painless, and take only minutes for a dental professional to apply. Teeth are brushed clean and sealants are painted onto the teeth. No drilling or anesthesia is required. Sealants are slippery and make it harder for plaque that causes decay to stick in the pits and grooves of molars.
Sealants are an economical preventive measure to keep teeth healthy for years.
All children with permanent molars should have access to sealants. Yes, both should be used. Sealants and fluoride work together to prevent dental decay. Sealants prevent decay in the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of the molars, while fluoride prevents decay on the smooth surfaces of all teeth. No, dental sealants have been used for over 30 years and are approved by the American Dental Association, the National Institute of Dental Research, and the American Public Health Association.