Adults can benefit from sealants too. Learn how this simple treatment prevents cavities.
While dental sealants are often associated with children, adults can benefit from this protective treatment too. Sealants offer a simple, painless way to prevent cavities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). They fill in the grooves and pits where decay-causing bacteria often hide.
Why Adults Should Consider Sealants
- Protect teeth without existing restorations
- Prevent decay in deep grooves
- Simple, non-invasive procedure
- Cost-effective cavity prevention
- Last up to 10 years
Who Benefits Most?
- Deep grooves in back teeth
- History of cavities
- Dry mouth conditions
- Limited access to dental care
- High-sugar diets
The Application Process
- 1Teeth are cleaned and dried
- 2An acidic gel prepares the surface
- 3Gel is rinsed and teeth are dried
- 4Sealant is painted onto tooth
- 5UV light hardens the sealant
The entire process takes just minutes per tooth.
Talk to Your Dentist
At your next checkup, ask if sealants might benefit you. It's a small investment that can prevent much larger problems down the road.
Related Topics
sealants
cavity prevention
preventive care