Directly from the CDC: Dental sealants are thin coatings that when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) can prevent cavities (tooth decay) for many years. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield. Once applied, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years. With semiannual visits for touch-ups and replacement when they wear away, the protection can last even longer.

Children aged 6 to 11 years without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than children with sealants. They can be applied to adult teeth the very same way that they commonly are on children and young adult teeth. Bottom line is that sealants can prevent cavities for everyone!