Dental Sealants Give You an Extra Hedge of Protection for Your Teeth
You know brushing and flossing are essential to healthy teeth and gums. Paired with regular dental checkups these healthy habits prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. But did you know there is an easy step to add to your oral health routine which has been shown to help prevent cavities and tooth decay in children and adults? Dental sealants are a quick and easy way for your doctor to give you and your family an extra hedge of protection.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a clear plastic protective coating applied to the chewing areas of your back teeth. Since your back teeth, or molars, are located where it is hard to brush and have lots of nooks and crannies, they are usually the teeth most affected by cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants create a protective barrier from the harmful bacteria present in your mouth.
Studies have shown sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay in molars by nearly 80 percent. An October 2016 report release by the Centers for Disease Control reports the importance of sealants for children from the ages of 6 to 11. Children who did not have sealants applied to their molars had almost three times as many cavities as those how had received sealants.
Dental sealants can also be applied to over cavities to prevent further decay. They seal the affected area and protect it against bacteria and acids which cause further damage.
What to Expect
Applying sealants to your teeth is a quick and painless procedure. First the doctor will clean and dry your teeth. Next, he places an acidic gel on your teeth to gently rough up the surface so the sealant will adhere to your teeth. After a few seconds your teeth are rinsed and dried. The doctor then applies the sealant onto the teeth and uses a special blue light to harden and cure the sealant. Once the sealant is cured, you’re ready to go.
Dental sealants last for many years. Your doctor will check the sealant during your regular checkups and can quickly reapply when needed. Everyone can benefit from dental sealants especially children. Sealants protect the baby teeth and encourage healthy permanent teeth growth and development.
If you have questions about dental sealants, contact or call Dr. Turner and make an appointment to see if dental sealants are right for you.