What is a sealant?

A sealant is a lightly colored material that protects the surfaces vulnerable to cavities such as the pits and grooves of the back teeth. By placing a sealant in the pits and grooves, we protect them from decay. Sealant makes it easier for the child to brush because the pits and grooves are easier to reach. Children usually get sealants to protect their permanent back teeth from forming a cavity, as permanent teeth are their only set of teeth for the rest of their life.

Sealants are applied by your child's dentist and can last years. To prolong the sealants, drinking water after meals and brushing twice a day will help. To check if your child's sealants are not still sealing the grooves and pits, visit your NexGen Dentistry at National City in California. If your child does not have sealants yet, ask their pediatric dentist at their next routine cleaning and exam.