The Benefits of Dental Sealants
Want to take cavity prevention to the next level? If you’re worried about not getting those back molars adequately brushed, consider getting dental sealants, a solution for those hard-to-reach grooves in your back teeth. Dental sealants provide a thin coating over surfaces where food, bacteria, and other particles get trapped, putting you at greater risk for cavities and tooth decay. We’ll cover what dental sealants are, how they work, and their appropriateness for both adults and children.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
When applied to the back teeth, dental sealants protect against cavities by keeping germs, acids, and food particles out of those deep crevices, which is where cavities tend to develop. Dental sealants consist of plastic resin that’s natural in color, which can be clear, sightly tinted, or white.
When applied, sealants fill in some of the cracks in the back teeth, making it harder for food and bacteria to get trapped. Because these cracks aren’t as deep, brushing makes it easier to keep teeth clean. As a preventative measure, dental sealants are more accessible and less expensive to apply than fillings.
After placement, sealants shield teeth from 80% of cavities for two years and 50% for about four years. Some sealants have been known to work for as long as nine years. However, some sealants might loosen and fall out, but they can be replaced.
How Does the Dentist Apply Dental Sealants?
Dental sealant application is painless because there’s no drilling involved. The procedure is also quick, taking only a few minutes for each tooth. Another advantage of dental sealants is that they don’t require altering the appearance or shape of the tooth.
Before application, your dental provider will clean and dry your teeth thoroughly. Then, they’ll place a small amount of gel on the tooth to facilitate bonding, after which the tooth is rinsed and dried again. The next step is to paint the sealant on the tooth’s chewing surface, filling in the crevices and deep pits. After about two minutes to allow the sealant to harden, the dentist cures the tooth to make the sealant permanent.
Should My Child Get Sealants?
If you have kids, consider getting sealants for the whole family. Cavities are a common dental problem among young children and adolescents. Dental sealants are an often overlooked but effective way to protect children’s teeth against cavities, which can cause infection, learning difficulties, and problems with eating and talking when left untreated.
To prevent the most cavities, you can begin with dental sealants when your child gets their permanent molars at about age six. The second group of molars usually appears around age 12.
Ask About Dental Sealants at Your Next Checkup and Cleaning in Cincinnati
Dental sealants provide simple, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive protection against cavities. However, they are just one component of your comprehensive oral health regimen. Teeth with sealants still need regular brushing and flossing to stay healthy.
It’s also important to keep up with your dental checkups and professional cleanings from your local dentist. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we can discuss with you the benefits of dental sealants and provide additional guidance on preventing cavities. Feel free to ask about them at your next dental checkup, which you can schedule by calling us at 513.489.7800.