What is the primary purpose of dental sealants?

The primary purpose of dental sealants is to prevent dental caries in the pits and fissures of teeth. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, where grooves and crevices can trap food particles and bacteria, making them highly susceptible to decay. By providing a protective barrier, sealants effectively seal off these vulnerable areas, reducing the risk of cavities and promoting overall dental health, especially in children and adolescents who are at greater risk for decay in these areas.

Other options like whitening teeth, alleviating tooth sensitivity, or correcting tooth alignment address different dental concerns and do not align with the specific preventive aim of sealants. Thus, the correct choice clearly focuses on the role of sealants in caries prevention.