Posted: 12/29/08
Dentists often recommend sealants for children and for good reason. They help prevent tooth decay by protecting the enamel from plaques and acids, helping ensure a cavity-free smile for years to come. Applying a sealant is a quick and easy procedure for your dentist. It is a hard plastic which is "painted" on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The plastic adheres to the grooves and depressions of the teeth. Brushing cleans the smooth surfaces of the teeth, but the bristles are not always able to remove food and plaque from the grooves and depressions. Sealants protect these areas.
Teeth with sealants remain protected as long as the sealant remains intact. They normally last several years. Your dentist will check the condition of your sealants during your regular dental visits, and reapply them if needed. A discount dental health care plan may provide coverage for some of the costs associated with sealants.
Related Links
American Dental Association: Sealants
