When it comes to caring for our teeth, brushing and flossing are the most important actions we can take to help prevent cavities. But even with the best at-home dental tools, it’s sometimes hard to reach all of those little crevices in your teeth. Your molars are especially susceptible to cavity-fighting bacteria. Adding an extra layer of defense to your dental care routine in the form of sealants is just another great support for healthy teeth.
Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth
Dental sealant is a thin protective coating that adheres to the surface of your back teeth that can help keep cavities from forming and help prevent the early stages of decay. They reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. According to a 2016 report by the Centers for Disease Control, although only 43% of school-age children have sealants, those without sealants have almost three times as many activities as children who do.
The Facts on Sealants
Learn more about dental sealants and how they can benefit your teeth and provide added protection to keep tooth decay at bay.
- Sealants are made from plastic or other dental materials and generally last several years before needing to be reapplied.
- They provide a protective coating or barrier on your teeth, preventing cavity-causing bacteria and food from creating acids and eventually cavities in your teeth.
- Excluding any known allergies, there are no known side effects from sealants.
- Sealants can still help even after the earliest signs of tooth decay are detected. As some sealants are clear, your dentist can monitor the health of your tooth while also protecting it from further damage.
- When it comes to timing, the earlier you have sealant, the better. Sealing first molars that appear at age 6 then second molars that appear at age 12 can help keep them cavity-free from the start. This doesn’t mean that adults won’t reap some benefits from sealants.
If you have questions about dental sealants and if they are the right choice to support your dental health, we’re happy to answer any you may have. As always, call our office at 248-852-3130 or inquire at your next dental appointment about how sealants can benefit your teeth.
