While regular brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep away cavities, rough spots in teeth can still give way to cavity growth. One of the best ways to preserve teeth and prevent the growth of cavities is to use dental sealants.

Dental sealants are a thin layer of plastic that covers the teeth, protecting the enamel from being eaten away by bacteria over time causing cavities. Sealants have been shown to reduce the contraction rate of cavities by over 80%. This becomes especially important when caring for children’s teeth, as they can be more vulnerable to cavities.

Sealants are applied by first drying and cleaning the teeth in preparation. Then an acidic gel is used to roughen the surface of the tooth to support a strong bond. Finally, the sealant is applied and left to dry and harden. This process only takes several minutes with no serious aftercare needed.