Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process, possess a lot of grooves (the deeper the grooves, the greater the chance of developing cavities in those grooves), and are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.
To place a sealant, an etching solution and often an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a "paint," which is then hardened with a curing light. The sealant creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. How long a sealant lasts depends on several factors, such as any grinding habits or the chewing of hard items such as ice. Your dentist will monitor sealant wear and recommend reapplication if he/she feels necessary.
