A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic protective coating for teeth. It is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These are the areas where most cavities form. Molars and premolars have grooves and crevices. Dentists call these pits and fissures. Food can get stuck in these crevices. Some are so deep that the bristles of a toothbrush can't reach into them. Grooves and crevices provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause cavities. Sealants help to prevent this from happening. They cover the grooves and crevices so that food cannot get into them.

Sealants are applied to teeth to help prevent cavities. In the past, they usually were used only in children. But adults also can get sealants. Click here to see illustrations showing how sealants are applied. Not only are sealants very effective, they cost a lot less than filling cavities.

In children, sealants can be applied to baby molars to protect them from cavities. Eventually, these molars fall out and the new, permanent molars come in. These molars can be sealed, too. Most dentists recommend that sealants be applied to each permanent molar as soon as possible. This can be when the tooth is only partially erupted into the mouth. However, it can be done only if the tooth can be kept dry and free of saliva while the sealant is applied.

If your child has a high risk of cavities, your Chicopee dentist may decide to seal the premolars, or bicuspids, as well. The premolars are the teeth directly in front of the molars.

Sealants can be used in adults who have an increased risk of developing cavities. Chicopee Family Dental can suggest whether sealants are appropriate for you.

Sealants can be put on teeth that show early signs of decay. But once the decay has broken through the enamel, the tooth will need a filling.

Applying sealants is quick and painless. It can be done during a routine dental visit. No injections are needed. However, it is very important to sit still so the tooth or teeth being worked on will stay dry. This allows the sealant material to stick properly to the tooth.

The dentist cleans the area to remove any food or debris in and around the teeth. Then he or she makes sure the teeth are dry so that the sealant can stick. The sealant is applied in liquid form. It flows over and into the grooves and crevices. The sealant usually hardens (sets) within 20 to 60 seconds. Sometimes it is set with a special light.

Studies show that sealants can last a long time, sometimes as long as 15 years. But they don't last forever.

At Chicopee Family Dental, our dentists will check the sealants during routine visits. If necessary, the sealants can be replaced.

Remember, sealants work well, but they can't keep teeth cavity-free without some help. Keep brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting a dentist regularly.

Children with sealants still should:

• Brush twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between any teeth that touch each other.
• Get the right amount of fluoride, either by drinking fluoridated water or taking fluoride liquid or pills.
• See a dentist regularly.