Which population tends to benefit most from sealants?

The population that benefits most from sealants is children and adolescents with newly erupted molars. This demographic is particularly at risk for caries, especially in the pits and fissures of the newly erupted molars, where food particles and bacteria can become trapped. Sealants are designed to provide a protective barrier over these susceptible areas, effectively preventing decay and promoting oral health.

Children and adolescents are also in a crucial period for dental development, and maintaining their teeth in a healthy condition can have long-term benefits as these teeth serve as the foundation for their future oral health. Since these molars usually erupt between the ages of 6 and 12, the application of sealants shortly after their eruption can significantly reduce the risk of cavity formation during this vulnerable stage.

In contrast, while adults with gingivitis, pregnant women, and elderly patients with dentures may have specific dental needs, they do not experience the same level of benefit from sealants as younger individuals with newly erupted molars, making this choice the most appropriate in the context of the question.