Sealants A sealant is a clear or tinted protective coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back molars. Molars have grooves and crevices, also called pits and fissures, where food can get stuck and a toothbrush sometimes cannot reach. Sealants help prevent decay by covering the crevices to prevent food from getting in them. Pre-Sealant Post-Sealant Back to Index