What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic
films bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth--molars
and premolars--and are highly effective in the prevention of
tooth decay (caries, cavities). Dental sealants are particularly
effective on the back teeth, as the back teeth contain more
hard-to-reach pits and grooves that serve as a host to food
debris and bacteria. How effective are dental sealants? Because
the sealants act as a physical barrier to decay and bacteria, in
most cases, they provide 100 percent protection--with the most
important variable being how well the dental sealant adheres to
the teeth. In addition, research has shown that sealants
actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed
tooth. This action seals off the supply of nutrients to the
bacteria that causes the cavity. The dental sealant becomes
ineffective when all or part of the bond between the tooth and
the sealant is broken. Who are likely candidates for dental
sealants? Sealants are especially b