In most cases, by the time an individual reaches adulthood, the occlusal surfaces of the teeth have been worn smooth, thereby reducing the chances for occlusal decay. Also, the majority of adults have had long-term exposure to fluoride through water, mouth rinses, and toothpaste, which also help protect the teeth from decay. Lastly, oral hygiene and diet tend to be better in adults than in children. For these reasons, MetLife does not recommend including sealants for adults as a dental benefit. However, it is important to remember that the dentist may, regardless of the patient’s age, recommend sealants, based on the patient’s oral health history and his or her risk for tooth decay.