Toothspot - All About Teeth

What Are Sealants? Over 80% of all childhood cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Bacteria settle here and use food particles to create cavity-causing acid. Sealants are thin coatings of resin applied to the chewing surfaces of these back teeth. They act as a physical barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting in the grooves and fissures. Sealants are usually applied to the permanent first molars which erupt around the age of 6 and second molars, erupting around the age of 12. It's important to have the sealants applied as soon as these teeth erupt.  Even if the sealant is lost, the material which has penetrated the enamel continues to provide protection. They're easily replaced if lost and are nearly 100% effective in preventing decay. Foods that stay in the mouth for long periods of time, such as sucking on lollipops or sipping juice, give the bacteria (plaque) present in the mouth more time to produce acid that causes tooth decay.  Dent