Sealants

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from decay (cavities).  Because they have small pits and grooves, these surfaces are rough and uneven.  Food and germs can get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there for a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away.  Sealants fill in the grooves and keep the food out.  

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they come in--before decay attacks the teeth.  Sealants, daily brushing and flossing, drinking fluoridated water, and regular dental check-ups are an important part of your child’s oral health and the best defense against tooth decay.

To learn more about sealants and tooth decay, please see:

Publications

• Seal Out Tooth Decay (also printer-friendly PDF version  (397KB))

Publications in Spanish

• Selle los dientes contra la caries dental: Un folleto para padres (also printer-friendly PDF version  (412KB))
  Spanish version of "Seal Out Tooth Decay". This brochure explains to parents and caregivers what sealants are and how they work.

Statistics

• Dental Sealant Statistics
  Latest statistics on dental sealants in children and adolescents

Information from Other Government Agencies

• Dental Sealants Frequently Asked Questions
  A fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explains what sealants are, how they are applied, how long they last, and the benefits of sealants.

Related Oral Health Topics

• Children's Oral Health
• Tooth Decay (Caries) and Cavity Prevention
  

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