Knights wear armor to protect them in battle. Sealants are like armor for your teeth. They seal the parts of your teeth you use to chew. This keeps out the food and bacteria that make holes in your teeth called cavities.

Sealants are put on your back teeth. These teeth are called molars. The tops of these teeth have little grooves. Food can get stuck in these grooves and a toothbrush can't always get it out. Sealants fill in these grooves and help keep out the food and bacteria that cause cavities.

Your dentist or hygienist will put sealants on when your adult molars come in. Your first adult molars come in when you are about 6 years old. More adult back teeth come in when you are between 11 and 14 years old. Sometimes your dentist might put sealants on other teeth if you get cavities easily or if you have trouble brushing your teeth well. Your dentist might also put sealants on teeth that look like they are starting to get a cavity.

No. It doesn't hurt at all. All you have to do is keep your mouth open while the sealants are being put on.

First, your dentist or hygienist will clean the teeth that are going to be sealed, and then dry the teeth very well. The teeth need to be very dry so that the sealants will stay on. The dentist or hygienist might put cotton rolls next to your teeth to keep them really dry.

Your dentist or hygienist will apply a liquid or gel to the chewing surface of your back teeth. This makes your teeth a little rough. That helps the sealants stick to the teeth.

Then your dentist or hygienist will brush or dab the liquid sealants on your teeth. He or she will shine a bright blue light on your teeth. This makes the sealants hard. You will need to wear special sunglasses or close your eyes to keep the light from shining in your eyes. Some types of sealants harden by themselves and don't need the light.

No. You will feel fine. You can go ride a bike, play soccer, or whatever you want to do as soon as you leave the dentist's office. And you can eat and drink right away.

Sometimes after getting sealants placed on your teeth, it may feel like you are biting on something. But that feeling will go away quickly. After a while, you won't even know the sealants are there.

Sealants can last a long time, maybe as long as 10 years. But sealants will not last forever! They can wear away or chip. When you go for a check-up, your dentist will check your sealants and fix them if necessary.

Yes! Sealants are a great way to help to protect your teeth, but you can still get cavities if you do not take care of your teeth in other ways! It's important to also brush and floss your teeth every day and eat a healthy diet.