Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants?
A dental sealant (also called a pit and fissure sealant) is a plastic, professionally-applied material that is
put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants provide a physical barrier so that
cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Why should my child get dental sealants?
Since the early 1970s, childhood dental caries on smooth tooth surfaces (those without pits and fissures) has
declined markedly because of widespread exposure to fluorides. By
1986-1987, approximately 90 percent of the
decay in children’s teeth occurred in tooth surfaces with pits and fissures, and
almost two-thirds were found on the chewing surfaces alone. Dental sealants have been shown to prevent
decay on tooth surfaces with pits and fissures. Sealants have been approved for use for many years and are
recommended by professional health associations and public health agencies.
When should my child get dental sealants?
First permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about age 6 years. Placing
sealants on these teeth shortly after they erupt protects them from
developing caries in areas of the teeth where food and bacteria
collect. If sealants were applied routinely to susceptible tooth surfaces in conjunction with the appropriate use
of fluoride, most tooth decay in children could be prevented.
Second permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about age 12 years. Pit and fissure surfaces of these teeth are as susceptible to dental
caries as the first permanent molars of younger children. Therefore, young teens need to receive
dental sealants shortly after the eruption of their second permanent molars.
Are dental sealants just for kids?
The potential to develop pit and
fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious
candidates. But some adults at high risk of decay can benefit from sealants as well. Your dentist can tell you if you would benefit from dental
sealants.
Do dental sealants replace fluoride?
No. Fluorides, such as those used in community water, toothpaste, gels, varnish, and mouthrinse also help to prevent decay. Fluoride works best on the smooth surfaces of
teeth. The chewing surfaces on the back
teeth, however, have tiny grooves where decay often begins. Sealants keep cavity-causing bacteria out of
the grooves by covering them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together to
prevent tooth decay.
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The information provided on this Web page is general background
information and should not be construed as CDC recommended
practice or guidelines, except where official recommendation or
guideline documents are specifically mentioned. |
Page last reviewed: June 7, 2007
Page last modified: May 23, 2006
Content Source: Division of
Oral Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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