Dental Sealants: How It Works, Explained Simply

Video Transcript

The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves and pits. These grooves are hard to clean, so food and bacteria get trapped there. A sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surface. A curing light quickly hardens the sealant into the grooves. The hardened sealant forms a smooth barrier over the deep grooves. That barrier keeps food and bacteria out and helps prevent cavities. Sealants are most often placed on children's back teeth soon after they come in. This video is for general education only. It is not medical or dental advice. Ask your dentist what's right for you.