Are you tired of constantly dealing with cavities despite brushing and flossing regularly? It’s time to consider dental sealants! These thin coatings can provide an extra layer of protection for your teeth, preventing cavities from forming in the first place. In this article, we’ll explore what dental sealants are and how they work to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the benefits of dental sealants!
What are dental sealants?
- Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that dentists apply to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and crevices, making them more difficult to clean properly with brushing and flossing alone. Sealants fill in these depressions, creating a smooth surface that’s easier to keep clean.
- Sealants are typically made from a clear or tooth-coloured resin material that bonds directly to the tooth enamel. They’re painless to apply and can last for several years before needing replacement.
- While sealants are most commonly used on children’s teeth as soon as their adult molars come in around ages 6-12, they can be beneficial for adults as well. In fact, anyone who has deep grooves or pits in their teeth may benefit from dental sealants.
- Dental sealants offer an easy and effective way to help prevent cavities from forming on hard-to-reach areas of your back teeth.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
- Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the surface of teeth. They are typically used on the back molars as these teeth have deep grooves where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. Dental sealants provide numerous benefits when it comes to preventing cavities.
- One of the main advantages of dental sealants is that they act as a barrier between the tooth enamel and harmful bacteria. This prevents bacteria from accessing areas where they can cause decay and cavities.
- Another benefit is that dental sealants can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. They also require no special care or attention beyond regular brushing and flossing.
- Dental sealants are also an affordable preventative measure compared to treating cavities which often require more extensive, costly treatments such as fillings or crowns.
- Dental sealants offer a simple yet effective way to protect your teeth from decay and maintain good oral health.
How do dental sealants work to prevent cavities?
- Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They work by creating a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Sealants are typically placed on molars and premolars, which have deep grooves and pits in their biting surfaces that can be difficult to clean with regular brushing.
- Tooth decay can occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acid from carbohydrates found in food. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities. Dental sealants prevent this process by sealing off these vulnerable areas of the teeth.
- The application of dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure that involves cleaning and drying the tooth surface before applying an acidic solution to roughen up the enamel for better adhesion. After rinsing off this solution and re-drying the area, liquid plastic resin is painted onto the tooth surface where it bonds into place under a special light.
- Sealants are most effective at preventing cavities if they are applied soon after permanent molars erupt (around age 6 for first molars) before decay has had a chance to set in. However, adults can also benefit from having sealants placed on their back teeth if they do not already have fillings or signs of decay present.
- Dental sealants offer an easy yet highly effective way to protect your teeth against cavities without having to undergo invasive procedures like drilling or filling.
Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and affordable way to prevent cavities. They provide long-lasting protection for your teeth against harmful bacteria and acids that can cause decay and tooth loss.
By sealing the grooves on the chewing surfaces of your molars, dental sealants create a barrier that prevents food particles from getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing.
If you’re looking for a simple yet highly effective way to protect your teeth from cavities, dental sealants may be just what you need. Talk to your dentist today about whether this treatment is right for you!
