Dental sealants are coatings with a very thin layer formulated to apply on the chewing surfaces of teeth. The main reason to use dental sealant is to prevent dental cavities in the first place.
It is common for children without sealants to have three times more first-molar cavities than those with sealants. While more parents now ensure that their children have dental sealants to avoid cavities, many children still don’t have dental sealants and thus, remain exposed to cavities and are two times more likely to have untreated cavities.
Did you know 9 out of 10 cavities occur only in permanent back molars?
Why are untreated cavities a serious problem?
When an individual, regardless of age, has untreated cavity, it can lead to:
- Pain
- Infection
- Problems while speaking, eating, and learning
Millions of children can be protected from cavities with dental sealants.
However, the reality is no different for adults as well. Without dental sealants, even adults can have cavities. So, no matter if you are a teenage kid or an adult, you should get dental sealants and prevent your teeth from developing cavities.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin-layer coatings applied on the teeth to provide protection against cavities. They can easily flow into the nooks and crannies of molar teeth and harden immediately so that the patient can eat and drink without waiting for hours.
When dental sealants are applied soon after permanent molars appear in the mouth, they can prevent a child from developing cavities.
While first molars come around at the age of 6, second molars come around the age of 12. This means, even if your child has got dental sealant at the age of 6, it is better to make an appointment for dental sealants at the age of 12 as well when a child has second molars in the mouth. Otherwise, second molars remain exposed to the attack of bacteria and cavity problem.
Who should I see for dental sealants?
Dental sealants can be applied by dentists, dental hygienists, or other qualified dental professional, based on the state laws and regulations. They can be applied either in dental offices or in a community setting such as schools by using portable dental equipment.
How effective are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are fast, easy, and painless way to protect you and your children from cavities. Most children get cavities in the permanent back teeth.
Once dental sealant is applied, it protects the person against 80 percent of cavities for two years and keeps providing protection against 50 percent of cavities after four years.
So, if you are a parent, ask your child’s dentist about when it is appropriate to apply dental sealants. In case you are an adult and don’t have sealant protection, you can also visit your dentist to see if you should get dental sealant.
For more information about dental sealants in Connelly Springs, please contact Western Piedmont Dental.