Dental Sealants

FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...

As long as Dental sealants the sealant remains intact, Protecting your teeth the tooth’s chewing surface will be ur teeth are constantly being covered protected from with a sticky film of bacteria called decay. plaque. When we eat or drink anything Sealants, that contains sugar or starch—such as which hold up milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice, well under the Ofruit and many other foods and beverages—bacteria Chewing surface of a molar before incredible force turn the sugar and starch into acids that can attack sealant is applied. of everyday tooth enamel. For some people, repeated acid chewing, usu- attacks may eventually result in decay. ally last for One of the most common places that tooth decay several years develops is on the chewing surfaces of the back before a reap- teeth, called premolars and molars. When you run plication is your tongue along the chewing surfaces of the back needed. The teeth, you can feel depressions and grooves. These dentist checks indentations, called pits and fissures, help to grind their condition food. during regular Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth examinations. with floss or another interdental cleaner helps remove food particles and bacteria from the smooth KEEP YOUR Chewing surface of a molar protected SMILE surfaces of tooth enamel. However, pits and fis- by a sealant. HEALTHY sures are difficult to keep clean. That’s because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the micro- When it comes to your health, prevention is always scopic grooves to remove plaque bacteria and tiny better than treatment. Properly applied and main- particles of food. tained sealants are extremely helpful in preventing Because pits and fissures are difficult to keep pit-and-fissure decay, and they are cost-effective. clean, your dentist may recommend dental To maintain a healthy smile, look for oral sealants. A dental sealant is a plastic material that hygiene products that have the American Dental is applied to a chewing surface of a back tooth. The Association’s Seal of Acceptance, your assurance sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from that they have met the ADA’s criteria for safety and plaque and acid. effectiveness for their intended use. Dental sealants have been used safely and effec- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and tively for more than two decades. They can benefit clean between teeth once a day with floss or children and adults. The likelihood of developing another interdental cleaner. Schedule regular tooth decay on the chewing surfaces begins early in dental visits and avoid frequent between-meal life, so children and teenagers are obvious candi- snacks. dates for sealants. Adults can benefit from sealants Ask your dentist whether sealants can put extra too, because one never outgrows cavities. Sealants power behind your prevention program. ■ protect vulnerable areas, such as pits and fissures, Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation with by sealing out plaque and food. The Journal of the American Dental Association. Unlike other portions of JADA, this page may be clipped and copied as a handout for patients, APPLYING SEALANTS without first obtaining reprint permission from the ADA Publishing Division. Any other use, copying or distribution, whether in printed or The procedure is simple and fast, and there is little, electronic form, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the if any, discomfort. First, the teeth to be sealed are ADA Publishing Division.

thoroughly cleaned and conditioned. The dentist “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental then applies the sealant to the tooth’s chewing sur- treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not sub- face, where it bonds with the enamel. A special stitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual curing light may be used to help the sealant harden. patient’s needs and desires.