Which teeth are most commonly sealed with pit and fissure sealants?

Pit and fissure sealants are primarily applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth where deep grooves are present, making them susceptible to cavities. The teeth most commonly sealed with pit and fissure sealants are molars and premolars. These posterior teeth have complex occlusal surfaces with pits and fissures that trap food particles and bacteria, leading to a higher risk of decay.

Molars, especially the first and second molars, are typically the first permanent teeth to erupt in children and are therefore critical candidates for sealants to prevent carious lesions as they often present with the most pronounced grooves and fissures. Premolars, while not as commonly sealed as molars, can also benefit from sealing due to their potential for decay in the pits on their chewing surfaces.

In contrast, incisors and canines, although they can have some pits and fissures, do not usually present the same level of risk for caries as the posterior teeth, making them less common candidates for sealant application. Thus, sealing molars and premolars effectively reduces the incidence of cavities in these key areas of the dentition.