Do you know what a dental sealant is? A dental sealant is a thin coating that is often applied to children’s teeth at the dentist’ office. Dental sealants are designed to offer an additional layer of protection for your teeth, providing extra defense for your enamel while minimizing tooth decay.
Sealants are “painted” on by the dentist and form a protective shield over the chewing surfaces of the child’s teeth. Sealants are almost completely invisible as they are made of a clear or tooth-colored liquid.
In most cases, dentists will apply sealants to a child’s teeth very soon after they first come in. Applying sealants to teeth as soon as they come in will ensure that no tooth decay forms. Sealants are most necessary for children from the ages of 6-14 as this is the time that we are most prone to developing cavities. However, for adults with no fillings or decay, sealants are a great way to ensure that they stay cavity free moving forward.
Please note that if you do decide to get sealants, or you get sealants for your child, this should not replace your normal hygiene care. Sealants do not eliminate germs and bacteria, they just keep these things out of the grooves of your teeth. If you do not remove the germs and bacteria from your mouth, you will have other problems develop. Sealants are simply meant to be another protective barrier for the teeth.
If you take care of your sealants and teeth, sealants should last for up to 10 years. However, sealants will need to be examined at your routine dental appointments to check for leaks and cracks. In addition to sealants and your routine hygiene, it is important to continue using products that contain fluoride and receive routine dental cleanings.
Interested in learning more about dental sealants?
If you want to receive more information about dental sealants, or would like to schedule a routine cleaning, feel free to contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Fostoria.
