Most dental sealants are designed to last for over a decade, but the actual lifespan of dental sealants depends on many different factors, including the type of sealant used, diet, and oral hygiene habits. Tips to increase the longevity of dental sealants include: • Brush twice daily — Regular brushing is the most important part of oral hygiene as it helps to remove food particles that stick to the teeth when eating. • Use a quality mouthwash — Using an antibacterial mouthwash is another vital part of oral hygiene as it helps to reduce the bacteria in the mouth that convert sugars and food particles into acids that can damage the teeth, as well as dental sealants. • Avoid sugary items — Sugar is just as bad for dental sealants as it is for natural teeth. Consuming high quantities of sugar allows oral bacteria to quickly convert these particles into acids, significantly contributing to tooth decay. • Avoid chewing on hard substances — Many people chew on things habitually, such as pens, pencils, fingernails and other hard substances. This is detrimental for the health of teeth with or without dental sealants.