What are dental sealants?
A thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — normally the back teeth (the premolars and molars) — is called the dental sealant. Combined with saliva, it forms a protective shield over tooth enamel.
Though conventional brushing and flossing remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of the teeth, they typically can’t get to all the nooks and crannies in the back of the mouth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by blocking the plaque and food inside.
Who Should Get Sealants?
Children and teenagers are the ideal candidates for sealants because of their advantages over grownups in likelihood of decay and depressions in premolars and molars. However, adults without decay or fillings can also reap the benefits of sealants for the very same reason.
Children are normally advised to install sealants on their permanent molars and premolars so long as they are 6 to 14 years of age. This way, the sealants will work to ward off dental caries in cavity-prone age groups.
For example, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child’s young teeth have deep grooves and depressions. Since young teeth function as a foundation for permanent teeth, it is critical that these teeth remain in good condition.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT CAVITIES IN CHILDREN?
Dental sealants aren’t an alternative for a dental checkup. Here are some additional tips that will help keep children’s teeth healthy: Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss between their teeth regularly, suggest healthier snacks for children to eat instead of sweet treats, and visit the dentist regularly.
- The best way to protect your teeth is to brush them twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss them daily. Consider seeing your dentist on a regular basis for health checks and cleanings. Dental sealants may also help protect your teeth from cavities.
- It’s important to floss regularly, regardless of whether or not you have dental sealants. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and gums, and it’s an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy. Sealants can help protect your teeth from cavities, but they’re not a substitute for regular flossing.
- Dental sealants can play an important role in protecting children’s teeth from cavities. However, it is also important to encourage healthy eating habits in order to keep teeth healthy. Try to substitute sugary snacks with healthier options, and make sure to brush and floss regularly.
- It’s important to have a good relationship with your dentist and to visit the dentist regularly. Dental sealants are one way to help protect your teeth from cavities, but they’re not a cure-all. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and eat a healthy diet.
When Do I Need Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a very common preventive step in oral care. They are used to shield the teeth from additional harm.
- More costly and invasive procedures such as filling and crowns: Dental Sealants are much less expensive and invasive than more traditional procedures such as fillings and crowns. Sealants can also be applied in a much shorter amount of time, which is convenient for busy people. If you are interested in getting dental sealants, be sure to ask your dentist about the best type of sealant for your needs.
- Formation of dental plaque: Dental sealant can help to prevent the formation of dental plaque. The sealant is applied to the tooth enamel and creates a barrier that prevents plaque from adherent to the tooth surface. In addition, the sealant can also help to fill in any pits or grooves in the tooth surface that may be difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
- Removal of essential minerals: Acidic foods and drinks can cause damage to your teeth, and over time this damage can lead to tooth decay. Dental sealants are designed to protect your teeth from damage, and they can be an effective way to keep your teeth healthy. However, it’s important to be aware that dental sealants can also remove essential minerals from your teeth. If you’re considering dental sealants, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your dentist.
For young kids with natural teeth, an adhesive plug is recommended, making children the perfect candidates for sealant application. Even after permanent teeth have erupted, the sockets and space will need to be protected by the transmitting teeth. This helps keep the teeth healthy.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Sealants are a quick and painless way to prevent tooth decay. They can be applied by dentists or hygienists in just a few minutes, and only require a few simple steps:
- To begin, the teeth that will be sealed must be thoroughly cleaned. This ensures that the sealant will adhere properly and last for a long time.
- To ensure successful transplantation, each tooth is carefully dried before being wrapped in cotton or another absorbent material. This helps to keep the tooth from coming into contact with moisture that could jeopardize the success of the procedure.
- An acidic mouthwash is used on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant adhere to the teeth.
- After brushing the teeth, they are rinsed and dried.
- The sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the polymerization process.