How Do Dental Sealants Protect You and Your Child’s Teeth?
Tooth cavities are an oral health problem that affects adults and kids. They cause debilitating pain and chewing difficulties and can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, it is prudent to prevent the development of teeth cavities. One of the cavity-prevention methods dentists use is dental sealant application. Read on to learn how dental sealants near you can protect teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
They are thin plastic coatings made from BPA-free resin material that prevents cavities. Dental sealants occur in a liquid form and are painted on teeth surfaces using a small brush. They dry after application forming a protective layer on the tooth and reducing the risk of cavities. Sealants are a safe, non-invasive, and straightforward method of protecting teeth.
How Do Dental Sealants Protect Teeth?
If you scrutinize your teeth in a mirror, you will notice pits and crevices on their surfaces. These grooves are especially deep in the molars and premolars since they help to chew food. Bacteria and food particles get inside the pits and crevices.
They get trapped and accumulate in the grooves if you do not brush properly or frequently. After a while, plaque forms in the areas and hardens into tartar. The acids in tartar and plaque wear down the tooth enamel leading to the formation of cavities.
Fortunately, sealants can protect your teeth from the action of plaque and tartar. The dentist will clean your teeth and apply the sealant material. It will flow into the grooves and pits, filling and eliminating them. Once the resin material dries, it will bond to your teeth, forming a protective barrier.
The barrier will prevent the accumulation of bacteria and food debris on teeth. Therefore, plaque will not form on your teeth, and the risk of cavities will be reduced significantly. Also, the tooth coating will make it easier to practice proper oral hygiene. The sealant will fill the pits and crevices, preventing food from getting trapped in them.
Why Do Kids Need Dental Sealants?
Dentists apply dental sealants on kids’ teeth since kids are more prone to cavities. It is because most kids, particularly the young ones, cannot practice proper oral hygiene. Some lack adequate brushing and flossing techniques. Others are too impatient to brush for the recommended time.
In addition, kids are likely to skip cleaning their teeth in the morning and evening. Some forego the process because they are forgetful. Others are unaware of the consequences of poor oral hygiene. Another reason kids are more prone to cavities is because they snack throughout the day. Also, they love consuming sugary treats, which increases caries risk.
Therefore, your kids need dental sealants from the dentist near you. The coatings will protect their teeth from getting cavities even if they continue to take sugary things. In addition, dental sealants will help them clean their teeth properly.
Can Dental Sealants Protect Adult’s Teeth?
Although adults can practice proper oral hygiene, they can benefit from dental sealants. Auburn dental sealants are advantageous to adults with the issues below.
- Adults with a high risk of cavities due to medication use or genetics can reduce the risk with sealants.
- Those with dexterity issues due to arthritis or disability will find it easier to brush if they get sealants.
- Senior adults can be forgetful because of issues like amnesia or dementia. Sealants will protect their teeth from cavities even if they forget to brush often.
- Adults with tooth sensitivity to cold or hot things can benefit from sealants. The plastic material will form a barrier that keeps hot or cold stuff from contacting the tooth and triggering sensitivity.
- Dental sealants can protect the teeth of adults confined due to sickness or disability. They will make it easy for a caregiver to clean the patient’s teeth. In addition, the patient’s teeth will be protected from caries even if they do not get them cleaned daily.
Conclusion
Dental sealants are an excellent method of protecting teeth from cavities and sensitivity. The procedure for getting them is fast, simple, and non-invasive. You will not need anesthesia or a sedative during the sealant application process. Therefore, you should consider getting sealants for the entire family. Contact us at Sunrise Dental of Auburn to schedule a session today.