Preventive dentistry has come a long way from the time it has been helping people fight dental problems. Unhealthy eating habits, poor oral hygiene, and other factors can lead to several oral problems like caries and gum disease. Fortunately, preventive measures like dental sealants can effectively fight tooth decay. This is especially beneficial for children who are prone to dental decay.
Dental sealants offered by the Denver, CO dentist and their team can effectively inhibit caries development and progression.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are referred to as thin plastic coatings that cover the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the premolars and molars and consist of deep pits and grooves. Once applied, these films are hardened to seal the surfaces. These protective coatings shield your teeth from harmful caries-causing bacteria by providing easy-to-clean surfaces.
Dental sealants are made up of different materials like resin (plant or synthetic) or glass ionomers (a mixture of glass powder and water-soluble acid)
When are dental sealants recommended?
Most tooth caries start in the narrow pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of the molars. Of all the teeth, permanent molars are more susceptible to caries and benefit the most from dental sealants. Regular brushing and flossing cannot reach the deep grooves, which increases bacterial infiltration, leading to dental decay. Sealants coat these areas so that bacteria cannot reach the grooves.
Anyone prone to caries can get dental sealants applied. However, children and teenagers are good candidates for sealants.
It is recommended for children and teenagers around the age group of 6 to 14 years as a preventive measure.
Adults prone to caries also benefit from sealants when they have deep grooves in their permanent teeth.
How are dental sealants applied?
Your dentist will:
- Clean your teeth and dry them
- Apply the sealant by painting a thin layer on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth (just like how nail polish is painted on your fingernails)
- Set the sealant and harden it using a special curing light.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
Dental sealant application is a popular preventive measure due to the following benefits:
- Do not cause any pain
- Are white or clear
- Are cost-effective
- Fill and block the deep grooves of the occlusal surfaces effectively
- Can be used for both children and adults
- Simple and painless procedure
- Saves time from extensive dental procedures
- Are safe
- It takes only a few minutes to apply
Summary
Dental sealants are excellent products that help prevent caries in children, teenagers, and adults since they block the invasion of bacteria into the deep grooves. This helps avoid any extensive dental procedures in the future. Sealants are an excellent way to rejuvenate your oral cavity.
