In some instances, some very thin coverings referred to as sealants are required to shield teeth from more wear and tear. Teeth grinding and exposure make them prime candidates for sealants. These teeth are especially at risk for decay. The chewing surfaces are full of tiny grooves, or fissures, which make them very effective as grindstones. However, these grooves tend to get packed with food particles. Hence, these grooves are very hard to clean effectively by brushing. Perfect recipe for plaque and decay.

Ideally, sealants are applied before a tooth has decay or fillings. As the years go by, however, fewer of an adult’s teeth are likely to be in this pristine condition. This is especially true of the chewing surfaces of the grinding teeth. Once a tooth has a filling, there’s little point in applying sealant there. However, they are very effective in early stages from becoming a cavity.