How to Prevent Dental Infection with Dental Sealants
Some parents may think that brushing and flossing are enough to keep their children’s teeth healthy. However, they may not realize that the toothbrush bristles cannot reach the spaces between the teeth or the grooves on the top of the teeth. These areas are prone to infection and cavities, and children may not be able to clean them properly. We have a simple and painless solution for this problem: dental sealants.
The benefits of dental sealants for young teeth
Dental sealants are also known as ‘fissure sealants.’ They are a thin layer of plastic that is applied to the back teeth, which are the most likely to decay. The back teeth can be hard to clean with a toothbrush, so the small grooves and fissures may need extra protection. Dental sealants fill in these grooves and form a hard shield over the enamel of each tooth. This shield prevents food and bacteria from getting into these grooves and causing decay. It also makes it easier to clean the smooth surface of dental sealants.
Dental sealants in Excelsior can prevent cavities from forming in the first place. This is much better than having to fix a cavity after it has damaged the tooth. Tooth sealants are a safe and painless way to protect teeth from cavities. Our dentist near you uses dental sealants as a minimal intervention approach to dental care.
Who can get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are usually recommended for children and teenagers because they are more likely to develop decay in their fissures. Dental sealants near you can be applied to a child’s teeth as soon as their permanent teeth come in, and they can protect the teeth throughout childhood. Even adults without fillings or decay can reap the advantages of dental sealants, particularly if they’re more prone to cavities due to certain factors.
This includes people who have:
- Early signs or a history of dental cavities
- Thin or weak enamel on their teeth
- Presence of pronounced pits and fissures on their back teeth, specifically the molars.
- Consuming a diet that is rich in sugars or carbohydrates.
- Poor oral hygiene and plaque control
- Orthodontic appliances
On the other hand, individuals who maintain exemplary oral hygiene, follow a balanced diet, and can effectively clean out the less pronounced grooves in their teeth might not require dental sealants. Also, teeth that have already been filled or restored in the grooves will not need dental sealants.
How are dental sealants applied?
Applying dental sealants to each tooth is a quick and painless process that only takes a few minutes. The steps are as follows:
- Your dentist will Clean and dry the teeth to be sealed.
- Apply an acid solution to the surface of each tooth to create roughness, facilitating sealant adhesion.
- Rinse and dry the tooth once again, then paint the sealant onto it.
- Use a special light to harden and cure the sealant.
How long do sealants last?
Dental sealants can last for 5 to 10 years, depending on the material and the care of the patient. It is important to have your dentist check your dental sealants regularly (at least once a year) for any signs of wear or damage. If any sealants are chipped or worn, your dentist will add or replace them to make sure your teeth are still protected from decay.
Prevention is the best way to take care of your dental health. With good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and dental sealants when needed, you can keep your teeth clean and healthy. Make an appointment with us and protect your teeth for years to come.
Our dental office offers the treatment you need in a comfortable setting. We make sure you leave with healthy teeth and the knowledge to maintain them. Schedule an appointment today. At Town Dental in Excelsior, MN, we focus on tailoring treatments to align with your individual needs and time constraints. Our dedicated team at Excelsior is committed to ensuring a serene environment for your appointments and treatment procedures. We will conduct thorough diagnostics for any dental issues you face and collaborate with you to identify the most suitable solutions.
Our staff aims to create a cozy environment at the office to help patients relax during the procedure. We can help you avoid damage to your teeth and achieve a lifetime of quality oral health.