Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children's back molars from cavities or tooth decay. Since they have small pits and grooves, these surfaces are rough and uneven. Food and germs can get trapped in the pits and grooves and stay there for a long time because toothbrush bristles can't brush them away. Sealants fill the grooves and keep out food.

Children should be put on sealants on their permanent molars (back molars) as soon as they come in, before the tooth decay affects the teeth. The first molars appear in the mouth when children are about 6 years old and the second molars appear when children are about 12 years old.

Sealants can be applied in a dental office, community dental practice, or in a school kit program.

Applying sealants is easy and painless. They are painted like a liquid and harden quickly to form a shield over the tooth.

Helpful Hints

• Ask a dentist or doctor where your child can get dental plaque. Sealants can be applied in a dental office, community clinic, and sometimes school.
• Make sure your kids also brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and go to the dentist for regular checkups.