Sealants are often used as a way to protect children's new adult teeth, especially if they have a significant history of baby teeth cavities. Sealants can also be used for adults for the same preventative measure in protecting teeth. The material is a thin, white, fluoride-releasing resin coating applied to the tooth surface. Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay.
Because sealants act as a physical barrier to decay, protection is determined by the sealants' ability to adhere to the tooth. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria cannot penetrate through or around the sealant.