Dental sealants are an effective way of helping to prevent cavities, especially on teeth with grooved chewing surfaces such as the molars. These surfaces make it more likely that bacteria and debris can cause decay in the grooves within teeth, leading eventually to tooth decay or cavities. In order to prevent this from happening, dentists generally recommend that children have the chewing surfaces of their molars sealed once they have fully erupted. This can be done one tooth at a time, or you can wait until a full set of molars has grown in to have them all sealed at the same time. The key is simply to not wait too long before sealing teeth because the sealant serves as an added layer of protection against tooth decay.
Dental Cavities Prevent Cavities
Once sealed, it is important for teeth to be well cared for, just as they should be anyway. Twice daily brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended, as well as daily flossing. Additionally, most dentists recommend that patients come in for a routine office visit twice yearly. This is done in order to provide a professional cleaning to better ensure teeth and gums remain healthy, as well as to identify any minor issues with a person’s oral health before they become major problems.
Another way you can better ensure that your dental sealants are not compromised in any way is to watch what you eat, especially what you chew on that is hard or sticky. It is recommended that you avoid very sticky, chewy or hard candies or other food. Additionally, hard non-food items should not be chewed on, such as ice, pencils and so on.
Keeping sealants in good condition is important because if a crack in the thin clear sealant material occurs, it can allow debris and bacteria to penetrate the tooth and become trapped, making it more likely that tooth decay will occur. This will not only negate the usefulness of having the dental sealants applied in the first place, but it can even make it more likely that you will experience a problem with decay.
For more information about dental sealants, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
