The most vulnerable areas prone to cavities are precisely the dental grooves.

Bacteria can thrive undisturbed in these areas because they are harder to reach with regular hygiene procedures (toothbrush and toothpaste).

When these grooves are particularly deep, sealing them can be an effective way to prevent bacteria from settling on the tooth surface. The most commonly sealed teeth are the first permanent molars.

Dental sealants are a quick, painless, and cost-effective procedure.

They help prevent future cavities through the simple application of a fluid composite resin, which matches the tooth color (making it invisible) and hardens once placed into the pits and grooves. This composite resin is resistant to cavity-causing bacteria, forming a barrier that prevents them from reaching the deeper grooves of the teeth.

An excellent alternative to resin is the use of glass ionomer cement, a biocompatible material that also releases fluoride to help protect the tooth.