Dental sealants are a plastic coating applied to teeth with the intention of preventing decay. Most molar teeth have developmental grooves on the biting surfaces. These grooves, if deep enough, can easily accommodate bacteria which cause decay; however the toothbrush is unable to clean down to the bottom of the grooves. Sealants are placed to cover the grooves thus being one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay in children. The process is completely painless and requires no drilling or removing of tooth structure.