The Benefit of Dental Sealants
We all try our best to keep our teeth clean- the brushing, the tooth paste, the flossing, the mouthwash. These are all going to prevent cavities and keep your teeth both clean and healthy. But in all honesty, we cannot clean every single nook and cranny. This is true especially in the case of the back teeth, or the molars. This is because the molars have many crevices and uneven surfaces. Therefore, food and bacteria like to find a lodging place here!
Prevent and Protect
To give your teeth added defense against these cavity causers, a thin protective material called a sealant is adhered to the chewing surfaces of your molars. Although this doesn’t mean you can stop your brushing and flossing, it will act as a buffer and protect the hard to reach places. This is especially true of kids. According to the CDC, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”
Who Are Good Dental Sealant Candidates?
Dental sealants are great for both children and adults. Technically however, it is best to get them when you are young so they can prevent cavities as early as possible. In fact, your first molars come in at age 6 and the second molars around age 12. Sealing these teeth when they first appear is the best time to get sealants! Ask your Dr. Perry if sealants are a good option for you and your family.
How Long Will They Last?
Most dental sealants can last for several years. But of course, they can be worn down from chewing and biting. When you get your regular check up by Dr. Perry, he will examine the condition of your dental sealants and can reapply them as needed.
As you can see, dental sealants can save you both time and money by preventing tooth decay!