Shield Your Teeth With Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, protective layer applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, like molars and premolars. These teeth often have deep grooves that are hard to clean and susceptible to cavities. Sealants fill in these grooves, creating a smooth surface that makes brushing easier and helps keep out food and bacteria. While strong and long-lasting, sealants should be regularly checked to ensure they stay effective.
Why are Sealants Helpful?
Sealants offer extra protection for teeth, particularly in cavity-prone areas. They are ideal for:
- Kids and Teens: Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the first permanent molars appear, usually around age 6, protecting teeth through the cavity-prone years up to age 16.
- Adults: Sealants can also help prevent decay on healthy teeth with deep grooves, even in adulthood.
- Young Children (Baby Teeth): For children at high risk of cavities, sealants may be recommended on baby teeth with deep grooves to provide extra protection.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Applying sealants is fast, painless, and usually only takes a few minutes per tooth. Here’s what you can expect:
- The tooth is carefully cleaned and dried.
- Cotton or a small barrier is placed to keep the area dry.
- A special solution is applied to slightly roughen the tooth surface, helping the sealant stick.
- The tooth is rinsed and dried again.
- The sealant is evenly applied to the tooth’s surface.
- The sealant hardens naturally or with the aid of a special curing light.
To ensure your sealants stay effective, brush and floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and attend regular dental checkups. Sealants provide a simple, long-lasting way to protect your smile.