It is often the younger generations that deal with susceptibility to pit and fissure decay. So we mostly treat children and young teenagers’ teeth with dental sealants. Understanding what they are and how they can offer you and your children a great service is important.
Your dentist at Eagle Rock Dental Care wants you to first and foremost understand sealants so that you can make the best judgement call. In all situations, if you are unclear on any procedure do not hesitate to ask questions.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A fissure (or pit) is the area of your teeth that impact other teeth while chewing. They are mainly in your back molars. Dentists also often refer to dental sealants as fissure sealants. This is because a sealant is brushed on liquid plastic that covers and fills these fissures to prevent damage created by food and plaque build up. The liquid plastic will harden after it is applied to your teeth.
Lodged food in a fissure is an all too common start to cavities. A sealant will block food from getting stuck in the pits of your molars. They can stay in your mouth for even up to a couple of years before they might need replaced. It is a simple procedure that is very easy for your Eagle Rock Dental Care dentist.
Why Molars
According to the American Dental Association, “sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.” Dental sealants are most commonly applied to the back teeth and dental molars. Back teeth and molars are arguably the most susceptible to cavity and tooth decay for two reasons:
- Most chewing is done with the back teeth
- Molars are rough and uneven
Frequent exposure to acidic foods and bacteria makes the back teeth and molars the most susceptible to tooth decay. The uneven surfaces don’t help, either. Foods and bacteria are easily trapped in the nooks and crannies just waiting to cause cavities. Brushing and flossing is definitely the best thing you can do for your teeth, but dental sealants will put you over the top.
Why Would Someone Need Sealants?
If you are trying to avoid sealants, remember:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss after every meal
- Stick to healthy foods and avoid sugar
- Don’t put off your scheduled trips to the dentist
Most of the time it is in someone early years that they deal with excessive problems of cavities and decay. Younger teeth are softer and much more vulnerable. If a child is dealing with constant struggles with cavities, adding a dental sealant may solve the stress and further health issues. A child’s teeth being softer require even more attentive brushing and flossing habits. Sometimes this isn’t enough. That is where sealants come in.
Sealants For Kiddos
When it comes to dental sealants, the earlier they can be applied, the better. That’s why most dentists will recommend that you consider sealants for your child as early as age six. This is when the first set of molars begin to cut through. Getting sealants so young can protect those teeth before they even have a chance to decay.
Are Sealants Worth It?
If you are concerned with the actual financial cost of sealants, consider the heftier cost of getting a cavity filled or having to come in to the dentists office multiple times for extra x-rays, root canals and teeth cleaning services. Preventative dental care is vital to your overall health. After getting your teeth cleaned in our office would be the best time to seal the deal on a clean bill of health and cover potential problems with a dental sealant.
This is a simple and affordable procedure. The savings from the future costs of filled cavities, extra visits to the dentists office and maybe root canals will earn you your money back in no time. Sealants are worth it if they will shield your teeth from future harm.
