Dental Sealants - Protecting Your Teeth

Our teeth are constantly being covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. When we eat or drink anything that contains sugar or starch such as milk, bread, biscuits, lolly-pops, soft drinks, juice, fruit, and many other foods and beverages - bacteria turn the sugar and starch into acids that can attack tooth enamel.

The Reason for Dental Sealants

One of the most common places that tooth decay develops is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth called premolars and molars. The top surface or the chewing surface of these teeth is not smooth. When you run your tongue you can feel depressions and grooves. These criss-crossed tiny hills and valleys called pits and fissures help to grind food.

Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner helps remove food particles and bacteria from the smooth surfaces of tooth enamel. However, pits and fissures are difficult to keep clean. Some of these pits and fissures are so narrow that even a single bristle from your toothbrush cant get deep enough to clean them out. That's because toothbrush bristles can not reach into the microscopic grooves to remove plaque bacteria and tiny particles of food.

When it comes to your health, prevention is always better than treatment. Properly applied and maintained sealants are extremely helpful in preventing pit-and-fissure decay and they are cost effective.

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

Because pits and fissures are difficult to keep clean, your dentist may recommend dental sealants. A dental sealant is a shaded plastic material that is applied to a chewing surface of a back tooth. Once the sealant hardens it acts as a barrier protecting enamel from plaque and acid.

Dental sealants have been used safely and effectively for more than two decades. They can benefit children and adults. The likelihood of developing tooth decay on the chewing surfaces begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants. Adults can benefit from sealants too because one never outgrows cavities. Sealants protect vulnerable areas such as pits and fissures by sealing out plaque and food

Applying Sealants

The procedure is simple and fast and there is little if any discomfort. First, the teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned. They are then “etched” to make it easier for the sealant to stick to the teeth. The dentist then applies the sealant to the tooth's chewing surface where it bonds with enamel. A special curing light may be used to help the sealant harden.

Keeping the area dry and away from the saliva during the application is very important. If the tooth gets wet, the sealant might now stick properly.

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth's chewing surface will be protected from decay. Sealants which hold up well under the incredible force of everyday chewing usually last for several years before a reapplication is needed.

Dental Sealants and Your Smile

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. Schedule regular dental visits and avoid frequent between meal snacks.