Dental Sealants

The most effective way to fight cavities is to floss and brush routinely, but sometimes it can be tough to reach the entire surface of your teeth. The surfaces of molars can be especially challenging, as they often have tiny crevices where sugar or food can become trapped. A toothbrush can have trouble reaching these areas, making it a challenge for adults, much less children who have yet to master proper brushing technique.

Fortunately, there’s a simple preventative measure our practice offers that can help: dental sealants.

What are sealants and how do they prevent tooth decay?

A dental sealant is a thin coating that Dr. Kinn can apply to the surface of molars. This sealant fills in the small crevices where bacteria could otherwise become trapped and develop into tooth decay, offering an additional layer of protection for your teeth. Sealants are almost completely invisible and can make home care a bit easier, as they eliminate the need for toothbrushes to reach into these small crevices.

How are dental sealants applied?

The administration process for sealants is quite simple. First, the teeth on which the sealant will be placed are cleaned. The tooth is dried and an acidic gel is applied which will help prepare the surface of the tooth so that the sealant can form a strong and durable bond to the tooth. After a quick rinse-and-dry, the sealant is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a special blue light.

At what age should someone get sealants?

Your child’s teeth are at risk for cavities as soon as they emerge. In the case of molars, this is usually at age six when the first set comes in, and around age 12 for the second. Having sealants applied as soon as these teeth erupt is recommended to keep them protected from early on.

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.

Home care with sealants

It’s important to remember that dental sealants are not an alternative to brushing and flossing; a good home oral care routine is still necessary. Sealants help to keep bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of molars, and make brushing easier, but not provide complete protection for the tooth.

Additionally, regular dental visits are important so that Dr. Kinn can evaluate your sealants for leaks or cracks. With good oral hygiene, sealants should last for up to 10 years.