Stop Cavities Before They Start!
Do you hold your breath every time you or a loved one visits our office for a hygiene examination and cleaning because you are expecting to hear bad news about the state of your oral health? Cavities and decay can form when food and bacteria remain trapped on the surface of the teeth and between the teeth. Unfortunately, some patients have large grooves in their rear molars, making it difficult to remove trapped food. We have a treatment solution to help you and your family members protect your teeth from cavities. Read on to learn about this popular treatment.
What are Dental Sealants?
Since early childhood, we have learned about the importance of properly brushing and flossing our teeth. Unfortunately, many people, especially children, have a difficult time cleaning their back molars properly. This is one of the reasons it is common to experience dental decay in the rear molars. Thankfully, we have a treatment that can help protect the back molars from decay — dental sealants. A dental sealant is a clear coating that is brushed on the chewing surface of the teeth and hardens as it dries. The treatment is typically used on the back molars, being that they are most vulnerable to decay. Once the material dries, it leaves a smooth chewing surface, making it much easier to clean. Patients are happy to learn that this treatment only takes a few minutes to complete and is typically done following an oral hygiene examination and cleaning.
Who Can Receive Sealants?
Sealants are typically applied to children’s permanent teeth when they start to emerge in the mouth. Every patient has unique needs, so there may come a time when we recommend sealants on baby teeth. Adults can receive sealants too, but they can only be used on healthy teeth with no previous decay. Sealants typically last for an average of three to five years. If the sealants come off the teeth, it is important to notify our team so we can schedule to replace them.
If you would like to consider sealants for you or your child and live in the Pike Creek, Newark, and Wilmington, DE area, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We want to make sure you have the information you need to make the best choices for your dental health. We look forward to seeing you soon!
