How do dental sealants help prevent tooth decay?

Sealants are a coating that is bonded into the deepest crevices, or grooves, on the chewing surfaces of molars. These grooves are typically so deep and narrow that even the best toothbrush cannot get to the bottom of the groove to keep it clean and free of harmful bacteria that can cause decay. Some studies have shown that almost 50% of children have decay in their first permanent molars, which erupt at around age 6, by age 12! This is with the benefit of proper brushing and fluoridated water. Having sealants placed on molars that are decay-free is a great preventative move towards not getting decay on that part of the tooth.

The most commonly decayed tooth surface in the adult dentition is the permanent 1st molar, and the most common surface to be affected is the occlusal or biting surface of the tooth. These teeth are at greater risk of decay because the teeth have grooves that easily harbor plaque, food and the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Even brushing ones teeth thoroughly cannot completely void the grooves of the agents that cause tooth decay.  

A dental sealant is a plastic material that is in liquid form prior to it being hardened. The sealant material is able to flow into and fill in the grooves of the biting surface of the tooth. Once a dental sealant is placed it greatly reduces the risk of developing decay because it eliminates the space for food and bacteria to collect.

Dental sealants create a barrier through which the bacteria and the biofilm (saliva) cannot penetrate. The sealants are used in the cracks and crevices on the biting surfaces of the back teeth that are impossible for you to keep clean. Since our American diet, especially children's, is rich in refined carbohydrates (sugars) it takes very little time for the germs to eat holes in the teeth if they are allowed to stay lodged in these tiny crevices. By sealing out these areas from the germs, the opportunity for the decay is prevented.

Sealants "seal off" the deep groves and crevices on the chewing portions of teeth.

These deep grooves and crevices may normally trap food and bacteria if not sealed. This leads to tooth decay. 

Sealants DO NOT prevent decay in between teeth.

Sealants are a GOLD STANDARD in preventive oral health.

Sealants are a thin layer of plastic filling material that protect hard to brush areas. The biting surfaces of molars have deep pits and grooves. Often, tooth brush bristles do not adequately clean these surfaces. Sealants are placed in these grooves to protect the hard-to-reach area from bacteria that cause cavities. Most kids have high sugar diets and not the best oral hygiene. Sealants are great options for kids when the molars erupt around six years old to help protect the permanent teeth.