What is the consequence of inadequate sealant retention on teeth?

• A. Effective caries prevention
• B. Increased risk of decay
• C. Enhancement of tooth aesthetics
• D. Decreased tooth sensitivity

Answer: (B)

Inadequate sealant retention on teeth primarily leads to an increased risk of decay. Sealants are preventive treatments that help protect the occlusal surfaces of teeth, particularly in children and adolescents. They act as a barrier to food particles and plaque, preventing bacteria from forming cavities. When a sealant does not adhere well or wears off prematurely, the underlying tooth structure is exposed and becomes susceptible to caries.

Poor sealant retention can create an environment where plaque accumulation is more likely, particularly in the grooves and pits of molars where sealants are typically applied. This absence of a protective barrier allows caries-causing bacteria to thrive, leading to an increased likelihood of tooth decay in areas that would otherwise be safeguarded.

While effective sealants can enhance tooth aesthetics by filling pits and fissures, a lack of retention fundamentally compromises their preventive function, making the primary consequence of inadequate sealant retention an increased risk of decay.