What are Dental Sealants?
The term “dental sealant” or “tooth sealant” refers to a plastic resin that a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth as a means of helping to prevent the formation of tooth decay (“cavities”).
Why are Dental Sealants Placed on Teeth?
Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque (the white film that forms on a person’s teeth). In general, the longer dental plaque remains on a tooth’s surface the more likely it will be able to form a cavity. The idea behind brushing teeth is that dental plaque that has accumulated on a tooth’s surface is scrubbed off. Some teeth however, related to aspects associated with their anatomy, are harder to clean than others.