It is important to do everything you can to protect your teeth, including other options like getting dental sealants put on. Sealants are an option that is available to help protect your teeth from further damage and decay from day-to-day wear. If you're unfamiliar with what a sealant is and how they work, this blog post will familiarize you with the whole process so that you can check with your local dentist and see when is the best time for you and your family to have sealants placed on your teeth.
A sealant is a thin, protective layer that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — premolars and molars. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that dental sealants can protect teeth from 80% of cavities.
Not only do they protect from cavities, but a sealant also provides an invisible barrier to protect from day-to-day wear and tear, the foods we eat, and the things we drink. You can think of it as an extra layer of defense against all the damage that is done to our teeth from our daily lives.
The ADA also says that sealants are most effective when they are applied soon after the tooth comes in. This means that children as young as six years old may be eligible for sealants.
Even if the child already has most of their teeth, there is still a reason to get a sealant put on as it will protect the teeth and help them last longer.
It's easy to be concerned about getting a dental procedure done, especially for kids. Thankfully, there is no need to worry about getting a sealant put on it. The process is not painful and only minimally invasive and can be completed in one visit, unlike braces and other standard dental procedures.
The process for getting a sealant is simple and straightforward. First, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque or bacteria. Next, they will roughen up the surfaces of your teeth and apply the sealant. The sealant typically takes a few minutes to harden, and the dentist may apply a special light to speed up the process, but once the sealant is completely hard, you're good to go.
Sealants can last for up to five years with proper care. To ensure that they last as long as possible, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
While sealants aren't meant to be a permanent layer of protection, with proper care, they can help protect your teeth from damage and keep them looking their best for years to come.
Once you have a sealant put on, there is very little special care that you need to take. Just continue brushing and flossing your teeth like normal and see your dentist for regular checkups. If you notice any chipping or cracking of the sealant, be sure to let your dentist know.
The ADA recommends sealants for all children and adults who have risk factors for cavities.
Risk factors for cavities can occur for adults and children and include things like sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day or consuming overly acidic foods and juices throughout the day as this can cause the enamel to weaken and cavities to form.
Additionally, a history of smoking or chewing tobacco has been known to weaken teeth and cause cavities, so anyone who has engaged in these activities even mildly may be at risk for cavities.
Also, not following the dentist's recommended guidelines for brushing and flossing can increase the likelihood of developing cavities over time, thanks to plaque and bacteria buildup.
Lastly, cavity occurrence can be directly related to your overall oral hygiene routine, so maintaining good oral health will prevent cavities from forming but failing to brush floss, rinse properly and get checkups will lead to a more frequent appearance of cavities.
If you meet any of these risk factors, talk to your dentist about getting dental sealants put on! They may be the best prevention against future cavities and day-to-day wear and tear on your teeth. It'll help keep your smile looking and feeling its best for years to come.
Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
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