Tooth decay is a major dental issue for children, teens and adults alike, and as with almost any medical issue, it is beneficial to take preventive measures before a larger problem looms. Having dental sealants applied to the teeth most often affected is a great start in the prevention of tooth decay.
Dental Sealants For Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is often the outcome of the erosion of the teeth by the way of bacteria. Actually, it is caused by the interaction of the ever-present bacteria in your mouth and the foods you eat. Bacteria are present in the plaque that is constantly forming on your teeth and gums. The bacteria then feeds on the sugars in the food particles left after eating or drinking. As the bacteria feed, they make acids that attack the teeth after you have finished your snack or meal. It is the acids that are generated that eventually destroy the tooth’s enamel and cause tooth decay.
Each tooth initially has three layers: the outer layer called enamel, the middle layer named dentin and the pulp, which is the inside layer and contains nerves and blood vessels. Depending on how many layers of the tooth have been affected, the decay will cause cavities and can lead to infection and tooth loss. The more layers that are affected by decay, the worse the damage.
As you may well know, proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing after each meal, will help rid your mouth of leftover food particles and the sticky plaque that is constantly forming on your teeth. You can also try to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which feed the bacteria in your mouth. But even if you brush regularly, see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, and stay away from foods that are high in sugar, you very well may still be at risk.
Toothbrushes and dental floss are great tools for getting rid of the plaque and bacteria on the smooth surfaces of your teeth, but are sometimes ineffective on the surfaces that have more depressions and grooves in which the food and plaque can get trapped. The teeth most affected are the premolars and molars in the back of the mouth since they have less smooth surfaces than the incisors and cuspids. That’s why these teeth are the ones that most often benefit from being sealed.
The tooth sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth most at risk in order to help prevent tooth decay. The applied sealant bonds into the nooks and crannies of the teeth, forming a protective barrier over each tooth’s enamel, helping to protect the most vulnerable areas by virtually sealing out plaque and food particles.
Applying dental sealants is commonly recommended for children and teens, since the process works best on teeth that have not yet been affected by decay. However, although adults are past the most cavity-prone years, adults without fillings or decay in their molars can also benefit from the application of sealants.
For more information about dental sealants call Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
