Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth – usually the back permanent teeth– to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the grooves and depressions of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by ‘sealing out’ plaque and food.