Seal Out Dental Decay with Dental Sealants

If you are a parent of a young child, chances are you have heard of dental sealants before. But, sealants aren’t just for kids. Applying a thin layer of protective material (the dental sealant) protects young developing teeth—and older teeth as well—from food debris settling in the grooves and crevices of teeth. This protective coating could help both you and your child seal out cavities and secure healthier smiles in the future. See if you could benefit from dental sealants!

Tooth Decay by the Numbers

When you think of chronic diseases, we bet that you don’t think of cavities as one of them. However, a cavity is decay that happens in your mouth, and it actually is considered a type of disease. A cavity is also known as “tooth decay” or “dental caries”, and you’ve probably had one or more in your life. When you eat, sugars in the foods and drinks you consume mix with bacteria in your mouth. Some of that bacteria creates a sticky, acidic and clear substance we call plaque.

That plaque sticks to your teeth like glue and slowly works to weaken your tooth enamel and erode it away. All of this happens each and every day after you’ve eaten and you’re none the wiser. However, if you go look in the mirror, you might see a bit of this transparent film on your teeth. That small film is what you want to avoid, as it’s what decays your tooth. If your tooth enamel becomes weak enough due to not having good oral hygiene, you can get cracks and small fissures in your teeth. The plaque then gets inside your tooth, decaying it rapidly and causing infection. Only a dentist can remove that decay and get your smile back in order.

Avoiding Tooth Decay

Even though tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease according to the National Institutes of Health, that doesn’t mean you have to get it! There are many people that avoid tooth decay just fine, and they do it through great oral hygiene practices. There is a reason that dentists are always talking about brushing and flossing your teeth. These are the basic building blocks of having good oral health, and they are quite effective! The American Dental Association recommends brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day to reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease. Brush with a toothbrush that is soft-bristled and that fits your mouth comfortably. Use ADA-approved toothpaste that is proven to be effective at removing plaque and protecting your teeth.

When you floss, make sure that you are scraping your teeth with the floss and getting up in the gumline. This is where many cavities form because patients are not flossing properly. These two habits alone will significantly reduce your oral health problems. However, don’t feel like you can’t brush or floss more often! Brushing after every meal will reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease even more. We will also add that mouthwash and fluoride are beneficial products to help you have a healthier mouth. Mouthwash reduces the amount of bacteria and germs you have in your mouth, which can reduce the amount of plaque you make in the first place. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring element that acts as a shield for your teeth, making them stronger and preventing decay.

Dental Sealants

Did you know that there is a type of stronger shield for your teeth that you can have to prevent cavities? We can these shields “dental sealants”. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that we apply to the chewing surface of your teeth. This is usually a clear or white plastic coating, which shields the enamel from decay by “sealing out” food, bacteria and plaque. That is why we refer to them as dental sealants. These are designed to prevent the need for dental filling. They are easy to apply and require no drilling to the enamel or dentin. They are also invisible, but make a major difference in your risk for getting tooth decay.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) reports that dental sealants placed “in children and adolescents has shown a reduction in cavities by 86% after one year and 58% after 4 years.” This is because your teeth have very small grooves and cracks on the chewing surface that are sometimes hard to reach by toothbrushes. However, when we use dental sealants to seal the area, you don’t have to worry about food particles or plaque getting into those grooves—you’re already protected!

Protect Your Teeth

Dental sealants are recommended for children because the natural shape of their growing teeth are more prone to cavities. However, dental sealants aren’t only for children! If you are prone to cavities, or simply want to reduce your risk for tooth decay, ask us about getting dental sealants! To learn more about if these could benefit your smile, call Stonebrook Family Dental today at (303) 872-7907!