Why You Should Consider Dental Sealants for Your Family
Dental sealants are a great way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. These are small, thin pieces of plastic or metal that you place on your teeth to protect them from decay and bacteria. They’re usually placed on the chewing surfaces of the teeth – either in the back or along the sides.
At first, dental sealants were only used for children. But nowadays, they’re often recommended for adults and children over six years’ old who have a high risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
How do Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants are placed on the tooth’s chewing surface to help protect against tooth decay and gum disease. They are very effective at preventing cavities and gum disease, but they can also be a little uncomfortable when they are first applied.
Dental sealants work by creating a barrier that prevents bacteria from getting into the area where the sealant is placed. The bacteria would normally get into the crevices of your teeth, causing cavities and gingivitis. With dental sealants, these crevices are sealed off by placing a thin film of material over them.
Dental sealants are effective for preventing cavities, but they do not protect against periodontal diseases. These are caused by plaque buildup in between teeth and gums.
Who Can Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are recommended for children and adolescents to prevent tooth decay. They are also used in adults at risk of decay but do not have dental fillings.
Why Are Dental Sealants Important?
Dental sealant treatments are important because they prevent decay and cavities from forming in your tooth enamel. They also help protect the underlying tooth structure from damage. However, you should still brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth healthy.
How Effective Are Dental Sealants?
There are two types of dental sealants: A thin layer of plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth and Fluoride, which is put on the biting surfaces or top of tooth enamel.
The effectiveness rates vary depending on which type you use, but they can be very effective in protecting your teeth from cavities and tooth decay.
Dental sealants cannot be used as a long-term solution for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. But, it needs to be replaced every few years or so with a new set of sealants.
How Are Dental Sealants Fixed?
Getting dental sealants in Oakland, CA, is done in 30 minutes or less. The dentist will begin the process by removing any residue or debris from the surface of your teeth. Next, he will apply a conditioning solution to roughen the teeth and paint the coating on the teeth. The dentist will use a light to harden the sealant and polish the teeth.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants typically last up to ten years, but their life span can vary depending on factors such as diet, frequency of brushing, and fluoride treatment. Dental sealants can wear out with continued use and therefore need regular checkups to assess their quality and effectiveness. Visit our dentist in Oakland for professional cleaning and checkup. You should also make sure it is properly cared for so it lasts!
Can You Whiten the Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants cannot be whitened because they can present potential damage to the sealant, reducing their effectiveness. You could also risk damaging the underlying gum tissue and tooth roots. If your sealants are stained, visit the dentist for advice on the best way to go about it.
Other Ways to Prevent Dental Cavities and Decay?
There are other ways to prevent dental cavities and decay besides brushing. The most common is the use of fluoride toothpaste. Other methods include:
- Using a mouthwash.
- Chewing sugar-free gum.
- Having a diet rich in calcium and fluoridated water.
Additionally, visit a dentist regularly for checkups, cleaning, and fluoride treatments.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Franklin Dental Care for more information about dental sealants and what you can expect during the procedure.