Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth – usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) – to prevent cavities. The sealant quickly fastens into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective layer over the enamel of the tooth.
Although brushing and flossing thoroughly can remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth, they can’t always get into the pits and grooves of the back teeth to remove the food particles and plaque.