What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth are more prone to decay because they contain deep grooves and pits that can trap bacteria and food particles. Cavities can be avoided with the use of sealants because they create a barrier that keeps away food and bacteria. Dental sealants are a preventative measure that can protect children’s teeth against erosion and cavities.
Are Dental Sealants Only for Children?
No! Although sealants are often recommended for children, they can also be helpful for adult patients. Sealants benefit children and adults, but the earlier you get them, the better. For example, your first molars will appear around the age of 6, and your second molars will break through around the age of 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can prevent them from developing cavities, saving you time and money in the long run. Ask your dentist whether sealants are suitable for you and your family.
Application of Sealants
Dental sealants are applied by quickly painting a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” onto the tooth’s surface. This effectively “seals” the deep surface grooves, creating a barrier and preserving the enamel from acids that cause deterioration.
9 Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children
Sealants Prevent Cavities
By sealing the top of the tooth with “tooth-colored” plastic, dental sealants help shield a child’s teeth from cavities. This layer of protection makes it harder for bacteria to persist on the surface of a tooth. Dental sealants are a secure and reliable method of guarding a child’s teeth since bacteria cannot damage the protected enamel.
Sealants Prevent Oral Disease
Molar sealants are a barrier to keep acids and plaque from damaging the enamel. Plaque contains bacteria, which accumulate over time and can cause various diseases. These include:
- Gingivitis or early gum disease
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Cavities
- Advanced periodontitis, which destroys gum tissue and underlying bone.
Although most oral diseases cannot be reversed, they can all be avoided. You can prevent the development of oral disease at its source by sealing molars and premolars shortly after they appear.
Sealants Reduce Deep Grooves
The deeper depressions and grooves on the surfaces of molars make them more challenging to clean. No matter how thoroughly you brush, the bristles of your toothbrush won’t be able to reach all the grooves and depressions on your teeth’s chewing surfaces. Most inaccessible areas are prepared for plaque and food particle accumulation. Additionally, it is simpler for bacteria and food particles to accumulate in these deep areas. A tooth will eventually develop dental decay due to these deep grooves. Dental sealants shield these vulnerable sites from developing decay.
Sealants Are Long-Lasting
Sealants can last up to 10 years if properly maintained and cared for. First, the dentist will examine the sealants to ensure they are still in place and good shape during your child’s routine dental visits. Then, to provide ongoing protection, the dentist can make repairs or replace the sealants as necessary.
The Process is Quick and Painless
Sealants are a harmless, risk-free procedure that can be completed in a single dental visit. After thoroughly cleaning and drying the tooth, the dentist will apply an acidic gel to roughen the surface, rinse it off, and apply the sealant material. The sealant is then hardened using a special light, and your child can immediately resume regular activities.
Sealants Will Save You Money
Sealants are a quick and painless way to safeguard a child’s teeth and are far less expensive than dental restorations. As a result, sealants are usually on the list of treatments covered by most general dental insurance plans. Dental sealants are the preventative choice for children because they eliminate the need for costly and unpleasant cavities at a fraction of the cost.
Make an Appointment Right Away!
Even though sealants can be a fantastic way to protect your teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist frequently, and following a healthy diet should always come first. For more information on how dental sealants can prevent cavities, call us at ORIS Dental Clinics if you live in Richmond Hill, Ontario!
Sealants Are Safe for People of All Ages
Contrary to popular belief, sealants are effective for adults and children. Although children are the age group that receives the treatment most frequently, anyone can benefit from it. Additionally, older patients’ permanent teeth have numerous small grooves that must be sealed off to shield the tooth from bacteria.
