Think of dental sealants as a barrier against cavities. They’re a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth both on top and bottom, where decay occurs most often.
It’s true that thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, but toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves of those back teeth to extract all the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.
