Why Sealants Work

Battling tooth decay is an ongoing job.  Sealants are one tool that can help. Even with consistent brushing and flossing there are still areas susceptible to decay.  There are tiny spots and crevices on the surface of your molars that are smaller than your toothbrush.  Plaque and bacteria can build up in these crevices causing tooth decay.  Dental sealants provide a plastic resin coating over the pitted areas of your molars binding to the tooth and blocking out the plaque and bacteria.  Once sealants are applied, they may last from 5-10 years and may be reapplied as needed.  Sealants can be applied on children and adults and have been shown to reduce cavities by 60% or more.  If you have never had a sealant, ask your dentist about the benefits of sealants vs. the cost of treating possible tooth decay in the future.