Dental Glossary

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The shape of many teeth make it impossible to completely eliminate all food particles and sugars from within the deep grooves and pits found on the chewing surfaces, especially in the back teeth.

These areas are usually the first to decay during or even before the early teenage years. Today, these decay-prone areas can be protected early in life by the application of a thin layer of plastic or resin which is bonded into the crevices and pits of the enamel of these teeth. This plastic coating is called a sealant and creates a barrier between the tooth and the decay-causing bacteria that live in plaque which normally would form in these unmanageable areas.

What is plaque and why does it cause cavities?

As you or your children eat and drink during the day, the food in your mouth combines with bacteria to produce a sticky film called plaque that attaches on and in between tooth surfaces. Plaque often is found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, from which it is difficult to remove by brushing and flossing alone. If plaque is not removed regularly from your teeth, it can produce acids which will attack the tooth enamel and create pits or holes (cavities) in the tooth. This is the beginning stage of tooth decay.

How can sealants help prevent cavities? Coating the deep fissures of the teeth with a smooth plastic material makes it harder for plaque to stick to these fine grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth - reducing the risk of forming cavities and tooth decay.

Is it difficult to apply sealants? No. Your dentist may use a special instrument to apply the plastic sealant on your teeth. It is a completely painless treatment that lasts for many years.

Who should get sealants?

Sealants are most effective in reducing cavities in children with newly formed permanent teeth but are also useful in preventing the formation of decay in adult teeth. It is an effective way to reduce the need for fillings and more expensive treatment that may be required to repair the damage from large cavities.


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