Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are usually placed on the chewing surface of the permanent back teeth, or the molars and premolars. These sealants help protect the back teeth from decay.
The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have grooves — “fissures” — that make them vulnerable to decay. These fissures can be deep, are difficult to clean, and can be narrower than a single bristle of a toothbrush. Plaque builds up in these areas, and the acid produced by bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel, allowing cavities to develop. Fluoride helps prevent decay and helps protect all the surfaces of the teeth. Dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooved and pitted areas by providing a smooth surface covering over the fissured area.
The first dental sealant is usually placed on the fissure of the first permanent molar tooth, once the chewing surface of the tooth has erupted completely beyond the gum line. This tooth grows in behind the baby teeth. If the chewing surfaces of these teeth are sealed, the dental sealant will help protect the tooth. Except for the wisdom teeth, which emerge much later, the molars and premolars continue to erupt until the age of eleven to thirteen, and the chewing surfaces of these teeth can be sealed after they have erupted beyond the gum line.
