If you’re someone who is conscious of your oral health, you’re probably extremely thorough with your preventive care. You may brush often, floss consistently, use mouthwash, and spend time at the dentist’s office getting regular checkups.
However, there are other aspects of prevention that you may not know quite as much about. For example, dental sealants may provide you with a little bit of extra defense against cavities, but many people don’t fully understand what they have to offer. Here’s what you should know about them.
What Are Dental Sealants?
While brushing and flossing can remove bacteria from the teeth, it doesn’t change the fact that the teeth are inherently covered with pores that serve as easy footholds for bacteria. Dental sealants are thin “shields” that can be placed on the chewing surface of the teeth, protecting them from bacteria and stymieing the development of cavities.
These sealants sit flush with the tooth and are made of either plastic or other kinds of dental materials. They repel the acids that are created by the bacteria in the mouth and prevent them from causing cavities.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
The sealant application process is quick and painless. First, the dentist will apply a gel to the tooth that roughens its surface, allowing the sealant to cling more easily to the teeth. After a few seconds, they will remove the gel and apply the sealant, using a specialized light to cure it into place.
How Effective Are Dental Sealants?
It’s been found that dental sealants can do a lot to prevent tooth decay from setting in, or even existing cavities from getting worse. According to the ADA, sealants can reduce the risk of decay by as much as 80%. This is particularly important in children, who often suffer from cavities. A study by the CDC found that children without dental sealants have three times the cavities of those that do.
Tooth decay is an incredibly common problem with people’s oral health, so if you’re interested in improving your smile, a dental sealing could be an excellent place for you to start.
About Our Practice
At The Dental Specialists – Pediatric Dentistry, we know that taking your child to the dentist can often be stress-inducing. That’s why we endeavor to not only provide consistently exceptional dental care, but also to cultivate an environment that will put every member of your family completely at ease. From our comforting office to our attentive staff, we give you plenty of reasons to look forward to your next dental visit.
If you have any questions about dental sealants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 364-7472.