Dental sealants are a highly effective tool in preventing tooth decay, especially on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They are a simple and painless procedure that involves painting a tooth-coloured acrylic coating onto the tooth’s surface. This coating seals the deep grooves and depressions, acting as a barrier and protecting the enamel from plaque and acids.
Even with proper brushing and flossing, it can be challenging to remove all the debris, bacteria, and deposits from the deep grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Dental sealants offer an additional layer of protection to help prevent decay from forming.
The application of dental sealants is easy and quick. First, the tooth is cleaned, dried, and an acidic gel is applied to roughen the surface of the tooth to help the sealant bond. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again before the sealant is applied. The sealant is cured with a special light and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants. Children are excellent candidates for sealants as their newly erupted permanent teeth are most susceptible to decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school-aged children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.
In addition to proper brushing and flossing, dental sealants are an effective tool in the fight against tooth decay. Talk to your dentist about whether dental sealants are a good option for you or your child to help protect your teeth from decay.