subject: Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth Against Tooth Decay [print this page] With the constant need to protect your teeth from tooth decay, sealants have become more effective in protection than ever before. Studies have proven that when properly applied, sealants are extremely effective in protecting the tooth surfaces from cavities.
As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around a sealant. Sealant protection is reduced or lost when part or the entire bond between the tooth and sealant are broken. However, clinical studies have shown that teeth that have lost sealants are no more susceptible to tooth decay than teeth that were never sealed. Protecting your teeth is an important measure in preventing tooth decay and cavities.
The Procedure
Dental sealants are usually performed on baby teeth soon after they erupt, and repeated at regular intervals over the years. Since the sealant is gradually lost through natural wear and tear of the teeth, the application must be repeated to remain effective.
Your dentist will first clean your teeth, dry them and apply a slight acidic solution that is designed to help the sealant bond to the tooth surface. Then, each tooth is painted with a very thin layer of the sealant coating. The coating is clear or white, allowing it to blend easily with the natural tooth color.
Typically, your dentist will use a high-intensity curing light to harden the sealant after it has been painted on your teeth. Sealants can last for many years, but they should be checked regularly and assessed for possible re-application to ensure protection.
Protecting Your Child's Teeth
Children are highly susceptible to cavities because of their many bumps and grooves of the chewing surfaces. Debris and resulting bacteria may become lodged between the grooves of a child's tooth, becoming more problematic for children.
Toddlers, children aged four to 17 and adults all face the same pit and fissure problem. Premolars and molars have the most pits and fissures, and are difficult for people of any age to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. However, with the application of sealants on the appropriate teeth can help prevent tooth decay for susceptible populations.
How does a Sealant Help Prevent Decay?
The dental sealants protect your tooth enamel from the bacteria and acids that cause decay. While brushing and flossing help to remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, toothbrush bristles often can't reach into the teeth's depressions and grooves. Sealants protect those areas and prevent food and bacteria from getting in.
Sealants are extremely safe. Ask your dentist in Grand Rapids about whether sealants can put extra power behind your smile and prevention program. It is up to your dentist to decide if dental sealants are the right choice to protecting your teeth from decay.
by: Gen Wright
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