What is the main purpose of dental sealants?

The main purpose of dental sealants is to obliterate grooves, deep pits, and fissures in the chewing surfaces of teeth, particularly molars. These areas are highly susceptible to decay because they can trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. By filling in these grooves and pits with a protective sealant, the likelihood of cavity formation is significantly reduced.

Sealants create a smooth surface that is more easily cleaned, thus promoting better oral hygiene and helping to prevent the initiation of caries or decay in these vulnerable areas. The application of dental sealants is a preventive treatment aimed at protecting teeth before any decay can start, particularly in children and teenagers who are at higher risk for dental caries.

The other choices focus on restorative actions, addressing sensitivity, or cosmetic effects, which are not the primary function of sealants. Sealants specifically aim to prevent decay, not restore it or alter the sensory response of the teeth or whiten their appearance.