We recommend placing dental sealants on a child’s permanent molars when they first come in at the ages of 6 and 12. However, it’s never too late to get dental sealants as an adult. These sealants are a worthy cost-effective preventative treatment to invest in, as they protect your teeth from cavities. Contact us to schedule an appointment with your dentist in East Amherst, NY.
The rear molars contain more pits and grooves than the rest of the teeth which makes them more difficult to thoroughly clean with a toothbrush. As a result, food particles and plaque can collect on the chewing surfaces of these teeth and get left behind as a result of inadequate brushing.
Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of these teeth to provide a smoother surface to thoroughly scrub these teeth and to seal out harmful bacteria that lead to plaque buildup.
Dental sealants effectively prevent cavities in the most vulnerable teeth, which is especially important in children because they’re at an increased risk of tooth decay. Dental sealants are a cost-effective, non-invasive, and painless treatment.
In the long run, it can save you a lot of money, time, and precious teeth by keeping cavities at bay. They’re completely safe and preserve the health of your teeth so you won’t need to sit for costly and invasive procedures like root canals and extractions.
Dental sealants don’t require any extra maintenance than what you would do for your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. You don’t have to change the way you brush because you have dental sealants.
We recommend that you use a soft-bristle toothbrush because hard bristles are too abrasive and will wear down the sealants as well as your tooth enamel. You should also avoid chewy and sticky foods that can dislodge your sealants.
Staining foods and drinks should be kept to a minimum, as these can stain your sealants as well as your natural teeth. Most importantly, go to the dentist every 6 months. Your dentist will assess your teeth as well as the condition of your sealants. They’ll let you know if they need to be replaced.
Dental sealants are temporary, so they can become worn down or dislodged over time. This is why it’s important to attend regular dental visits. In the first 2 years, sealants protect against 80% of cavities and half of cavities after 4 years. While dental sealants can last for up to 10 years, this will depend on wear and tear, oral hygiene, and lifestyle.