Everyone needs proper care of their teeth to ensure they stay healthy and strong. Applying dental sealants in Bridlewood can help protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Dental sealants are a protective layer that your dentist applies to your teeth. They help keep harmful bacteria and food particles away from the grooves and pits in your teeth, where cavities often start.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These teeth include the molars and premolars. These molars have deep grooves and pits that are particularly good at trapping food and bacteria. The grooves are difficult to clean even by brushing. Sealants fill in these grooves and create a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean.
How Do Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth?
Dental sealants act as a barrier. They seal off the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck inside. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Here’s how sealants help:
- Prevents Plaque Buildup: It prevents the buildup of plaque-a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth. If this is not removed, it may result in cavities. Sealants prevent plaque from building up in the grooves of your back teeth.
- Stops Food From Getting Trapped: The grooves on your molars are quite deep, and food particles tend to get stuck there, especially when eating sticky or sugary foods. Sealants fill such grooves, making it difficult for food to get stuck.
- Keeps Bacteria Out: Bacteria in your mouth can turn sugar and food into acid, which eats away at your teeth. Sealant layers prevent the bacteria from getting into the grooves and causing decay.
Why Are Dental Sealants Important?
- Cost-Effective: Dental sealants are less expensive than fillings, crowns, or other treatments for cavities. It’s much more reasonable to prevent cavities than to fix them.
- Easy Protection: Getting sealants is a simple procedure that can protect your teeth for many years. It’s an easy way to prevent decay and avoid dental problems.
- Healthier Teeth: With sealants, your teeth are less likely to get cavities, which means fewer dental visits and healthier teeth overall.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are especially helpful for children and teenagers. Their teeth are still developing, and the deep grooves in their molars are more prone to cavities. Dentists recommend sealants for kids as soon as their permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12. However, adults who are at high risk for cavities can also benefit from dental sealants for adults, offering added protection against tooth decay.
The Process of Getting Dental Sealants
Getting dental sealants is a quick and easy process that doesn’t hurt. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cleaning: First, your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or food particles.
- Preparation: The surface of the tooth is then dried, and an acid solution is applied to make the tooth surface rough. This helps the sealant stick better.
- Applying the Sealant: Next, the dentist will paint the sealant onto the chewing surface of your molar.
- Hardening: The sealant is hardened using a special light. Once it’s hard, the sealant will stay in place for a long time.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last for several years, but it’s important to get them checked during your regular dental visits. Your dentist will ensure the sealant is still in good condition and may reapply it if needed.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy With Dental Sealants Today!
At EverSmile Dental, we care about your smile and your oral health. Our friendly team of dentist near you offers a range of services to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong, including dental sealants to protect your back teeth from cavities. We’re here to make your dental visits comfortable and stress-free, ensuring you leave with a smile you’re proud of. Visit us at EverSmile Dental and protect your teeth today!
