Regular brushing and flossing are recommended for optimal oral health. However, it can be difficult to effectively clean those hard-to-reach back teeth (molars). Because of their rough, uneven surface, molars easily trap food and bacteria, making cavities more likely. Fortunately, you can give your teeth additional protection with dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
When oral bacteria interact with food particles, they produce acids that may lead to tooth decay. Sealants can be likened to "raincoats" for the teeth, as they protect them from these destructive elements. Typically made of plastic or other dental materials, sealants provide a thin covering over the chewing surfaces of teeth to keep food particles and bacteria out. They do not eliminate the need for brushing and flossing, but they can keep healthy teeth from developing cavities and may prevent early-stage tooth decay from progressing. Research shows that sealants prevent tooth decay in molars by up to 80%.
What You Can Expect
Dentists can painlessly apply sealants in just a few minutes. First, your dentist will clean your teeth, placing a gel on chewing surfaces to prepare them for the sealant. Next, teeth are rinsed and dried. Dentists then paint the grooves of the teeth with liquid plastic, which is hardened with the assistance of a special blue light placed near the teeth.
Sealants should last for several years, and can be re-applied when needed. They usually provide a clear covering for teeth, so a dentist can easily check the condition of a tooth to make sure the sealant has not been damaged and is working properly. Sealants have no side effects, unless a patient is allergic to the plastic material.
Who Can Get Sealants?
People of all ages can benefit from dental sealants. However, children and teenagers are prime candidates for the procedure. First molars emerge around age 6, while second molars appear at about age 12 and should be sealed as soon as they come in to protect against tooth decay. An October 2016 report released by the Centers for Disease Control revealed that only 43% of school-aged children (ages 6-11) have dental sealants. Children who haven't received sealants develop almost three times more cavities than children whose teeth have this protective barrier.
Concerns
Some patients may be wary of dental sealants because of concerns about bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. While sealants do contain a small amount of BPA, it's not enough to pose a health risk. We encounter much higher levels of the industrial chemical through the environment or by using cosmetics than through oral sealants.
Dental sealants are safe, cost-effective, and long-lasting. Contact us if you'd like to schedule an appointment.