Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing cavities. However, even with regular brushing and flossing, it can be challenging to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth, especially the back teeth used for chewing and grinding.
Molars have an uneven and rough surface, which makes them difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. The bristles may not reach all the grooves, leaving food particles and cavity-causing bacteria behind.
What can be done?
Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities. They are a preventive measure that can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Cavities are permanent holes in the teeth that can grow larger if left untreated. They commonly occur in the grooves of the back teeth.
Dental sealants are thin, tooth-coloured plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay. These quick and easy resin coatings fill in the grooves, creating a protective shield over the tooth’s enamel. This shield prevents bacteria from settling in and causing damage.
It’s important to remember that dental sealants are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. They are an additional tool to help prevent cavities from forming or stop early signs of decay from progressing.
Dental sealants are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars because these teeth have deep grooves that make them more susceptible to decay. These grooves and fissures can be difficult to clean with a regular toothbrush, allowing plaque to accumulate and attack the enamel, leading to cavities.
Using fluoride toothpaste can help protect teeth from decay, but dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooved areas by covering the surface with a protective coating.
Who should get sealants?
Children and teenagers are ideal candidates for dental sealants due to their higher risk of developing cavities in their back teeth.
However, adults without fillings or decay can also benefit from sealants.
It’s best to take your child to get sealants as soon as their permanent premolars and molars come in. By doing so, you can protect their teeth during the cavity-prone years (ages 6-14).
How are sealants applied?
Getting dental sealants is a simple, easy, and painless process.
First, the dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth that will receive the sealants. The teeth are then dried before an acid solution is applied to the surface. This solution helps the sealant bond with the tooth.
Next, the dentist paints the sealant onto the tooth in liquid form, which hardens in about a minute. Sometimes, a special curing light is used to help the sealant become strong and durable.
You may feel the dental sealant with your tongue after it has been applied, but after a short time, the teeth will feel normal again because the sealants are very thin.
How long do sealants last?
Research shows that dental sealants are effective in helping protect teeth from decay and cavities by over 70%. Sealants can last for a decade or more with proper care. However, regular dental check-ups are necessary to check for any chipping or wear.
Bottom Line
If you have children, it’s highly recommended that you ask your dentist about applying dental sealants to their teeth. Cavities are the most common chronic condition among children and teenagers, and if left untreated, they can cause pain, infection, and severe dental problems.
At Bayswater Dentist, our experienced team is dedicated to providing the best preventive care for you and your family. Talk to us today about the benefits of dental sealants and how they can help protect your teeth from decay and cavities.