Overview
3.1
When a Child Should First Visit the Dentist
3.2
Oral Hygiene Practices
3.3
Feeding and Eating Practices
3.4
Fluoride
3.5
Fluoride Supplements and Fluoride Quantity
3.6
Fluorosis
3.7
Dental Sealants
3.8
Other Preventive Measures
Key Points
Post-Test
Online Resources

Module 3: Prevention of Tooth Decay

3.7 What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent tooth decay by creating a physical barrier against dental plaque. Applying dental sealants to tooth surfaces with pits and fissures shortly after the teeth erupt helps prevent decay.

Fact

The primary benefit of fluoride is that it protects the smooth surfaces of the teeth, and dental sealants protect the surfaces with pits and fissures.

Fact

If all children received appropriate amounts of fluoride and had dental sealants applied to susceptible tooth surfaces, most tooth decay in children could be prevented.

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