Dental Sealants and Oral Health
A dental sealant is an ultra-thin, plastic protective coating that is usually painted on the chewing surface of teeth to prevent them from decay. It is one of the most effective measures used by dentists to prevent cavities in their patients. It is much easier and cheaper to prevent a cavity in the tooth than it is to treat it.
If you want to know more about dental sealants or the right time to apply sealants, then this article is meant for you.
When dentists recommend dental sealants
Dentists recommend dental sealants when the patient is between the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. The tooth enamel of children and teenagers is usually more prone to cavities than adults. The pits and fissures of children can easily trap bacteria, particles, and debris that quickly cause decay. An excellent dental professional knows that dental sealants are great for adults, but they are more effective for patients who have not had a cavity yet.
Tooth decay usually occurs on the chewing surface of the molars and the premolars. These are the parts of the teeth that are more exposed to cavities. Many dentists recommend dental sealants for your child as soon as they start developing these sets of teeth. Baby teeth are important for the successful eruption of permanent teeth. If these baby teeth are not protected, there’s a huge chance of premature tooth loss. Therefore, both baby and permanent teeth should have dental sealants applied to protect the tooth enamel against damage.
The importance of dental sealants can not be overestimated. Sealants are more affordable than getting your cavities filled. They are also very effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of your teeth, such as molars and premolars. Many parents think that there is no chance of decay as long as their children practice good oral hygiene. Most times, good oral hygiene is not enough protection against cavities. Sealants are an easy and sure way to prevent tooth decay.
When to apply sealants
The best time to seal the permanent teeth is before the decay occurs. Children around the age of 6 usually get their first permanent molars, and the next set starts coming in around the age of 11 to 13. Wisdom teeth are usually the last set of teeth to erupt. Sometimes the dental professional may not consider them to be necessary. On the other hand, the dental professional may recommend that the wisdom teeth are sealed too to prevent tooth decay.
Getting dental sealants applied to your enamel is not enough to fight against tooth decay. Even though dental sealants effectively prevent tooth decay and cavities, it is still essential for patients to have good oral hygiene to fight against bacteria and plaque. Good oral hygiene also helps remove particles like food particles from the corners of the teeth.
Conclusion
Dental sealants are very effective. They may be the bridge between you and the healthy set of teeth you’ve always hoped for. Dr. Uparika Sharma is a reputable dentist that fully understands how to use dental sealants to help you achieve healthy teeth. Call us today at 425-998-8109 to schedule an appointment with us in Bellevue Azalea dentistry.
In our Bellevue office, we ensure that your teeth are well protected against all forms of factors that cause tooth decay. If you feel like you may need dental sealants, but are not entirely sure, feel free to ask us more questions for easy clarification.
