What Are Dental Sealants, Who Should Get Them, And How Long Do They Last?

Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars, and molars) – to prevent tooth decay. The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Typically, children are most cavity prone from ages 6 to 14 so the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends they should get sealants on the permanent molars and premolars as these teeth come in. Dental sealants can protect their teeth from decay for up to 10 years.