While using dental sealants to protect teeth is a relatively new dental practice, the importance of taking this simple step to better ensure tooth health should not be ignored. The application of a sealant material is one of the easiest options available for protecting the biting surfaces of teeth so they are less prone to tooth decay, and most dentists now recommend that children and teens have sealants applied shortly after permanent molars erupt.
Dental Sealants To Ensure Teeth Health
This simple procedure acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria, plaque, acids and tartar from penetrating the tooth’s surface, where it can result in tooth decay. A dentist in essence “paints” a thin coating of plastic sealant over the chewing surfaces of teeth to seal it off and make it impenetrable to culprits that can result in decay. This is especially important on molars and pre-molars, not only because these teeth handle most of the chewing activity within the mouth and are therefore more exposed to food and bacteria, but also because the teeth have grooved surfaces that make it easier for food and bacteria to become stuck in the crevices where they can ultimately cause damage.
While brushing and flossing are generally effective at removing food particles and bacteria from the smooth surfaces of teeth, it is more difficult to effectively keep the grooved biting surfaces of back teeth completely free from tiny particles and bacteria. That’s why, without dental sealants, these teeth are typically more prone to cavities than other teeth within the mouth. The bacteria eat away at the enamel surface within the tiny grooves and fissures in the teeth, penetrating further into the tooth where it results in decay and ultimately requires a filling.
Many children today that have their back teeth treated with dental sealants experience fewer cavities and problems with decay throughout their lifetime. This is because the thin plastic coating serves to protect the teeth that experience a lot of exposure to things that could easily cause decay. While dentists recommend that teeth be sealed as soon as possible after the teeth erupt, it is never too late to protect the teeth. Even if you are an adult and have never had your teeth sealed, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about having this simple procedure performed now to provide you with future protection.
Although dental sealants are designed to withstand the normal wear and tear of biting and chewing, they may not hold up forever. That’s why your dentist will likely check the effectiveness of any sealants already applied during routine office exams to ensure that they are still doing the protective job they are intended to do. If necessary, an additional application of sealant material can always be applied to provide added protection down the road.
Tooth sealants are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your teeth from decay resulting from exposure to plaque, acids and bacteria. Be sure to ask your dentist about this protective treatment the next time you’re in for a visit.
For more information about dental sealants, call Park Dental Care in Queens at718-274-1515.
