How Sealants Protect the Teeth
While sealants often are used on children’s teeth to protect against cavities, they are also useful on adult teeth to provide a barrier against decay. The following information demonstrates how sealants work to keep both children and adult teeth healthy and well-maintained. Because of the vulnerability of some teeth to decay, sealants have been developed. The clear liquid, which seals the tooth, provides an additional safety net against dental decay, especially in the molars.
A Protective and Thin Coating
A sealant represents a protective and transparent coating, made from plastic and/or other dental substances. It easily adheres to the chewing surfaces of the molars or back teeth. While a sealant is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, the barrier does prevent the formation of cavities and can stop the early stages of dental decay.
What the Statistics Show
Dental research suggests that sealants can reduce the risk of dental decay in molars by almost 80%. Moreover, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children, between 6 and 11 years old, who don’t receive sealants, experience three times more cavities than children who have had sealants applied.
Preventing the Formation Bacteria and Acids
When decay-producing bacteria live inside the mouth, they come into contact with food particles and produce acids. These acids create holes in the teeth called cavities. After a tooth is sealed, acids and bacteria cannot settle on a tooth and cause a cavity.
Why Sealing Is Important
While adults and children greatly benefit from sealants, having them placed on a child’s teeth keeps a child cavity-free from an early age, all which helps a parent save a lot of time and money. Therefore, sealants are designed for everyone in the family.
How the Sealant is Applied
Applying a sealant is painless and fast, so there is no reason you should not get them. First, the tooth is cleaned and dried before an acidic type gel is applied. The gel roughens the tooth’s surface so a strong bond can be formed between the sealant and the tooth. After the application of the gel, it is rinsed off and the tooth is dried. The clear liquid sealant is then added to the grooves of a tooth before it is set with a blue light.
How Sealing Prevents a Larger Cavity from Forming
Sometimes a sealant is placed over a small area of decay to prevent a bigger cavity from forming. Because the sealant is clear, the tooth is watched to ensure the seal is working.
As you can see, you can protect you and your family’s teeth and save money on future dental costs by the application of sealants. Both adults and children can reap the benefits of this dental treatment. Contact us about sealants today at the River Valley Smile Center. Phone 479-646-0706 for further details or visit us on Facebook.
