Dental Sealants Are an Effective Measure against Cavities for Adults and Children
There can be no substitute for brushing and flossing which are the best ways to prevent cavities but cleaning every nook and corner of your teeth is often difficult. The back molars that are often used for chewing are rough, uneven and favored by leftover food along with cavity-causing bacteria to hide.
Dental sealants are an effective method of preventing cavities in the mouths of children and the CDC in a recent report has mentioned the benefits of the relatively simple and inexpensive procedure for children as well as adults. The back molars are not smooth like the other areas of the teeth and are populated by tiny grooves known as pits and fissures. They trap particles and bacteria making it difficult for bristles on a toothbrush to reach these dark and moist crevices. These are perfect grounds for tooth decay to develop.
How Do Children Benefit from Sealants?
Newly erupted permanent teeth in the mouth of children are not resistant to decay as compared to adults. The enamel coating that protects the teeth becomes stronger as it ages. Some treatments provided in the dental office along with fluoride found in water and toothpaste can strengthen enamel. However, getting the fluoride into the pits and fissures regularly is often difficult. To overcome this deficiency and provide a good solution to the problem against cavities dental sealants have been developed.
Dental sealants are translucent resin coatings of plastic applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars to smooth them out and make them resistant to decay. Children with a tooth sealant on their teeth are less likely to develop cavities that may need expensive dental treatment in later stages and most importantly cause pain to the child. The child benefits from the preventive measure and continues to enjoy good oral and overall health which is the main privilege of dental sealants.
How Are the Sealants Placed?
The sealant must be considered as a mini plastic filling and the child must be assured that it is not similar to having a cavity filled. Placing a sealant is painless because the tooth enamel does not contain any nerves and therefore the need for anesthetics is eliminated.
The dentist placing dental sealants in South Houston will examine the tooth to be sealed and if any decay is located it will be removed gently. The tooth will then be cleaned and dried before an etching solution to roughen the surface is applied. This solution ensures the sealing material adheres to the tooth better.
After the etching solution is applied it is again rinsed and dried thoroughly. This is an important step because failures of dental sealants have been attributed to improper drying of the tooth after cleaning the etching solution. Finally, the sealant is applied to the tooth in the form of a liquid and requires just a minute to harden with the help of a curing light. The child will be able to continue everyday activities like eating or having any other foodstuff after the treatment is completed.
Caring for the Tooth Sealant
Sealed teeth need the same care and proper oral hygiene as unsealed teeth. Children must be encouraged to brush and floss every day and taken for professional cleanings regularly. During the cleanings, dental sealants in South Houston, TX, will also be checking for wear and tear on the sealants even though they are expected to last for about 10 years. During this period the preventive treatment that has been proven as an effective measure against tooth decay by more than 70 percent will provide your child the benefit he or she needs.
Does BPA Exist in Sealants?
A tiny amount of BPA does exist in sealants but the quality is not sufficient to cause your child or you any harm. It has been established that the exposure BPA is higher from using cosmetics and coming into contact with dust. Therefore you can confidently have the sealants applied on the molars of your child’s teeth knowing full well they are a safe protective measure against tooth decay and cavities.
Who Can Get Sealants?
Everyone including children and adults can benefit from sealants but it is better to get them earlier rather than later. Sealing the molars as soon as they erupt at the ages of six and 12 can keep them free from cavities from the beginning and can help you to save time and money in the long run. Dental sealants in South Houston, TX, will be able to provide advice about whether dental sealants are a good option for you and your entire family.