Why Your Family Needs Dental Sealants

Even with proper dental hygiene practices, you can’t be completely perfect when it comes to dental cleanliness. That’s why it’s essential to combine at-home dental care practices with regular visits to the dental office for professional exams and cleanings.

On top of that, there’s a better solution to protect your family’s teeth against tooth decay and infection—dental sealants. If you or your family are at a higher risk of developing cavities, sealants can help keep your teeth healthy.

If you would like to get dental sealants, contact Dental Arts of Plymouth to schedule your appointment today.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic that are applied on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, making them smooth and easy to clean. Regardless of how thorough you are at cleaning your teeth, it’s unlikely that the small bristles of your toothbrushes are able to reach all of the tiny grooves on your back teeth.

For this reason, food particles can be easily trapped between these teeth, which can encourage plaque and infection buildup, leading to cavities. While they are not a must, sealants are excellent for preventing tooth decay, especially in young children who may be unable to brush their teeth thoroughly.

How are Sealants Applied?

Fortunately, getting dental sealants is easy and straightforward. It’s also pain-free and can be performed in a single visit to the dental office. Here’s what to expect in a dental sealant procedure:

• The dentist will clean your teeth to prepare them for the sealants. This helps to remove the underlying dirt and enable the sealants to bond better.
• The dentist will then apply an etching solution to the teeth to roughen up the enamel for easier bonding with sealant.
• The teeth are then cleaned and dried.
• A thin layer of a liquid sealant is applied to the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• A special light is used to harden the sealants to the teeth.

Dental sealants don’t require any surgery or complex treatment. For this reason, it’s safe and usually has no side effects.

Are Sealants Worth It?

Absolutely! Dental sealants offer a safe and hassle-free solution to protecting your teeth from cavities. Children between the ages of 5 and 13 years old are the best candidates for dental sealants because their newly developed permanent teeth need to be protected.

Still, adults are also eligible for dental sealants, especially if tooth decay hasn’t developed on their teeth. If well maintained, the sealants can protect the teeth for several years. If you notice that they are wearing out, you can visit your dentist for reapplication for maximum protection.

Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants

Like any other dental procedure, sealants have pros and cons, including:

Pros

• It matches the natural color of your teeth.
• It is durable and can last for more than five years.
• It is safe and pain-free.
• It covers the back teeth’s pits and grooves, protecting them from decay.
• It makes the back teeth smooth and easy to clean.
• No surgery is required.
• It can save you money as it’s less costly than treating or replacing a decayed tooth.
• The recovery is immediate.
• The application is quick.
• It is highly effective and can reduce cavities by up to 80 percent.

Cons

• It is not useful for a decayed or filled tooth.
• Not everyone is eligible.

Other Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Even with dental sealants, proper dental care is still essential. Use the following tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• If possible, use fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss regularly.
• Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
• Avoid colored foods and drinks to prevent staining the sealant material.
• Schedule regular visits to the dental office for dental examinations and professional cleanings.

Final Verdict

Would you like to know more about tooth sealants? To help decide whether dental sealants are suitable for your family, contact Dental Arts of Plymouth to schedule your appointment today. You’ll have a professional dentist to walk you through the entire process, making sure you’re well-informed before getting the treatment.