Dental Sealants
Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent childhood diseases and affects most children in the United States?
What Are Cavities?
Cavities form when food particles, acid, and bacteria combine with saliva to create plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that coats tooth enamel and is loaded with bacteria. When you don't remove plaque with consistent brushing and flossing, acids that form in the mouth weakens tooth enamel and create tiny holes that we know as cavities.
Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, but it is not indestructible to repeated acid attacks caused when we consume sugars and carbohydrates.
You can help prevent cavities from forming with regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Your dentist may also suggest dental sealants as additional protection against cavities and tooth decay.
How Can Dental Sealants Help?
Dental sealants are thin, protective, plastic coatings that your dentist applies to molars and other teeth with uneven chewing surfaces that are more prone to cavities. Sealants are easy to apply and are bonded directly to the tooth's surface then hardened in place.
The sealant settles into deep ridges and grooves of these teeth to create a smooth surface and seal out cavity-causing bacteria, sugars, and acids.
Dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities and be used on baby teeth and permanent teeth. Once applied, dental sealants provide years of protection and will need to be replaced as they gradually wear away on their own.
During your child's routine dental exams, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants to determine if they need to be replaced.
Sealants Protect Where Your Toothbrush Can't Clean
Children are highly susceptible to tooth decay early in life, so we want to do everything we can to help prevent dental issues from occurring. Even adults can benefit from dental sealants on teeth that have not had cavities or fillings.
Dental Sealants and Prevention Help Maintain Healthy Smiles
Prevention is the best way to fight childhood oral health diseases and infections, so we recommend the following:
- Brush twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Eat nutritious and balanced foods
- Eliminate sodas or extremely sugary drinks
- Maintain regular dental check-ups
- Protect teeth with dental sealants
Prevent Childhood Cavities Today
If you would like to learn more about protecting your child's baby and adult teeth, or if dental sealants could benefit your family, please call us today.
