Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in the chewing surface of a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate bacteria and food particles, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because these grooves can be too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These small areas can develop cavities over time. To prevent these cavities from forming, the dentist or hygienist will apply a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.