Overview
Sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of molars. They are especially useful soon after permanent molars erupt, when deep grooves are hard to clean and cavity risk is high.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Sealants are preventive and painless.
- ✓They are most often used on permanent molars.
- ✓Sealants reduce risk but do not replace brushing and diet control.
- ✓They need periodic checks because they can wear or chip.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- 2Limit sticky sweets and frequent sugary snacks.
- 3Attend routine checkups so sealants can be monitored.
- 4Ask about sealants when first permanent molars erupt.
When To Book A Dentist
- !A child is around 6-7 years and first permanent molars have erupted.
- !A child has deep grooves, frequent cavities, or high sugar exposure.
- !An existing sealant feels rough, chipped, or missing.