9 Things You Should Know About Dental Sealants

Preventive dental care is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and maintain good oral health. It will preserve your oral and overall health and eliminate the need for costly and complex dental procedures. If you or your children are at a higher risk of getting cavities or gum disease, you should invest in dental sealants.

Dental sealants put a protective barrier against tooth decay. When eating, food particles can get trapped on the teeth, especially on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The back teeth have tiny pits and fissures and are therefore difficult to clean thoroughly.

If not cleaned properly, this debris builds up in the mouth, increasing the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This significantly increases the chances of developing cavities and gum disease. Sealants work by limiting the number of bacteria in the mouth.

What are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are thin coatings that are applied onto the teeth, especially the back teeth, to smooth out their surfaces, making them easier to clean.

Facts about Dental Sealants

If you’re considering dental sealants, you need to know a thing or two about the treatment. This article outlines nine important facts about dental sealants.

1. Sealants prevent tooth decay and gum disease

Sealants add a protective layer to the teeth, reducing the chances of plaque and bacteria building up in the mouth. When plaque builds up in the mouth, it hardens to form tartar, a hard brown deposit that firmly attaches to the teeth.

Continued build-up of these deposits leads to cavities and gum disease. When teeth’s surfaces are smoothened with sealants, food particles are easily cleaned from the teeth, significantly reducing the risk of gum disease and carries.

2. Sealants can work for people of all ages

While the dentist recommends applying sealants as early as possible, people of all ages can benefit from sealants. Sealants are primarily beneficial to children, teenagers, and adults with a high risk of developing dental cavities.

3. Not visible to others

One concern most patients will have is whether dental sealants are noticeable when talking, laughing, or eating. Fortunately, sealants are customized to look like your natural teeth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing smile. Your child’s teeth will be protected without harming their self-esteem or confidence.

4. Improves your oral hygiene and health

Dental sealants smoothen the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, making brushing and flossing much easier and thorough. This improves your oral hygiene and health. Good oral hygiene and health are also crucial for your overall health. It can reduce your risk of getting diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

5. Predominantly used on molars and premolars

Usually, sealants are applied to your back teeth, the molars, and premolars. This covers the pits and fissures found on the chewing surfaces of these teeth. Compared to other teeth, molars and premolars are more vulnerable to cavities and plaque build-up.

6. Safe

Another common concern regarding dental sealants is safety. You have nothing to worry about as sealants are entirely safe. While there were concerns about BPA use during production, the American Dental Association has confirmed its safety. If you’re still concerned, there are BPA-free sealants to consider.

7. Easy and fast application

The dental sealants procedure is painless and very quick. It only takes a couple of minutes. Similarly, since the process is non-invasive, it’s painless. Please inform your dentist beforehand if you or your child has dental anxiety.

8. Affordable

The cost of getting dental sealants is relatively low compared to that of treating major teeth issues and gum disease. Based on several factors, it costs about $30 to $60 to apply sealants on a single tooth. On the other hand, restorative treatments for dental cavities cost hundreds of dollars. Sealants eliminate the need for restorative treatments, saving you a lot of money.

9. Long-lasting

When well cared for, you can count on sealants to offer many years of protection. On average, they last for about 5 to 10 years. It’s worth noting that sealants can fall off or get damaged. Therefore, you should have them checked regularly for damage. Keep in mind that if the sealant gets damaged, it increases your risk of getting cavities. If necessary, the dentist will reapply fresh sealant on the teeth, ensuring maximum protection.

Caring for your dental sealants

Proper dental care and habits are essential to make sure your sealants last longer. Helpful care tips include:

• Brush and floss daily
• Wear a mouthguard during physical activities
• Avoid chewy and hard foods
• Avoid acidic and sugary foods
• Avoid tobacco products
• Eat healthier and hydrate well
• Schedule frequent dental exams and cleanings

Final Verdict

Dental sealants are indeed a worthwhile investment for your oral and overall health. If you’re interested in dental sealants treatment, contact York Dental Group today to book your appointment.