What is a dental sealant and why should my child have them?

A sealant is a clear or white plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help protect them from decay. Sealants protect the pits and grooves of the back teeth from the bacteria that may cause cavities. The application of a sealant is a quick and painless procedure. Children with newly erupted permanent molars or premolars are excellent candidates for sealants. Sealants can only be applied to cavity free surfaces. Therefore, it is important to have sealants applied to the teeth as soon as possible.