For most people, a family trip to the dentist is usually limited to a cleaning/examination and fixing any problems that have already happened. But if there were something you could do to keep those problems from happening in the first place, would you sign up for it? If you haven't heard of dental sealants before, they may be something your family could need. Here's what you should know about them and how they can help keep things like cavities at bay.
What They Are
Dental sealants are a type of preventative treatment that you can get at any family dentist's office. They're designed to help keep teeth from being damaged by things like bacteria and plaque, which can help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are essentially a thin layer of dental cement that's applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. There isn't enough cement applied so that you can feel it, and thanks to it being made out of the same stuff that dental fillings are, it's completely invisible to the naked eye.
How They Help
Dental sealants essentially act as an artificial tooth enamel, providing one more layer of protection between the soft and delicate inner tissues of your teeth and the outside world. Dental sealants and cement aren't damaged by bacteria or plaque, which means that they can help keep these harmful things from chewing through the surface of the tooth. This is especially a good idea because once dental enamel has been damaged, replacing or repairing it can be a complicated process.
In general, dental sealants are only applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, and typically only the molars. However, you've likely experienced having food stuck in the crevices of your molars before, so you can imagine how this layer of protection can help.
How to Decide
In general, children are the ones who are the most recommended to get dental sealants. Kids often don't take as good care of their teeth as adults. On top of that, they're usually away for many hours per day at school, where they can't clean their teeth. Any food your child is eating can potentially spend hours causing harm to their teeth, leading to cavities. Even if your kid takes very good care of their teeth at home, this protection can help keep them safer.
Of course, adults can always personally request dental sealants. If you have a long history of cavities, it may be wise for you to talk to a dentist about getting them yourself. If nothing else, this extra protection may help you to feel reassured that your teeth are safe.
Contact a family dentist near you to learn more.
Share21 January 2022
