Brushing your teeth, flossing them, and receiving regular dental checkup are some of the routine activities that you can use to maintain a healthy oral system. Any time you do not carry out these activities properly, you become a candidate for decay, infection, and cavities. Years back, the only solution to this was tooth extraction.
However, dentistry has seen several innovations coming along, and now people can use sealants to protect their teeth from dental decay and cavities.
Dental issues are the most significant causes of missed days at work.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
The sealant is a thin coating made of plastic placed on the teeth to protect the chewing surface from plaque and bacteria that may cause diseases and decay. The sealant only covers the surface of the tooth since this is where most decay occurs. By keeping food particles as well as infection-causing germs from the teeth, it becomes impossible for cavities to develop.
Sealants are commonly placed on molars and premolars. These sets of teeth are more prone to damage than the front teeth. Sealants are common among children and teenagers. At this stage, they are used to prevent cavities from starting to form. They defend baby teeth and new permanent teeth from getting any infection. The first set of teeth in children show up at six months. However, molars teeth do not grow until the age of twelve.
Dental sealants become more effective when placed soon after the molars and premolars come up. Adults, too, can use sealants to shield their teeth from further damage. You can get them installed in most dental clinics by a specialist. The sealant is often placed on the teeth in liquid form and then made to dry using a special light.
Why you should use Sealants
Our teeth play an essential role when it comes to chewing food. Dental problems are often associated with extreme pain, and tooth decay can result in other health conditions. One way to prevent this is through the use of dental sealants.
Many individuals keep wondering whether dental sealants can be helpful. However, brushing one’s teeth is never good enough to shield them from damage. In most cases, the toothbrush only clears dirt on the teeth surface but cannot reach the spaces between molars and premolars teeth. The result is the growth of decay-causing bacteria.
The benefits of using sealants include:
- Sealants act as a preventative measure against dental issues. When placed on the molars and premolars teeth as soon as they come out, there is zero opportunity for any decay.
- They are durable and easy to install. The process of placing sealants is pain-free. The dentist starts by cleaning the teeth and drying them before coating the surface with the plastic material. When set correctly, sealants can last up to 10 years. In case they wear down, the dentist can quickly repair them.
- Unlike other expensive dental procedures, sealants are quite cheap to install. Most dental insurance providers also cover them. Children can get sealants through insurance until they attain a certain age.
- They offer extensive protection. It is almost impossible for children to clean the crevices and groves found on their back teeth. These crevices are avenues for plaque and decay. Sealants prevent any food particles from reaching these groves. They form a secure shield around the tooth that cannot be penetrated by bacteria and decay.
To maximize the benefits, you should get the sealants early enough before decay starts. To start the process, search for “dentist Brooklyn” in your local directory to get suggestions on the best practitioner to handle the issue.
In the long run, you will save a lot of money since you will not need to worry about getting treated for dental problems.
Sealants are invisible. No one can see them when you smile or talk. The patient can feel them with the tongue, but in most cases, they go unnoticed.
Risk Factors when Using Dental Sealants
Although dental sealants are highly effective, it is essential to note that they should not replace proper dental hygiene. Patients must continue to observe appropriate flossing and brushing.
Some sealants are made from Bisphenol A or BPA, which may result in adverse health issues. There has been an ongoing concern about such sealants and whether they are safe for children and infants. Studies show that such sealants can still be used on children as long as the dentist completely wipes out the residue of the plastic material after placement.
Cavities Arise From Your Carelessness
Without proper dental care, sealants do not guarantee 100 percent prevention from cavities. However, children who get them are over 75 percent less likely to require fillings than other kids. Your “dentist Brooklyn” assists you in determining how to start the application procedure.
