Seal Out Your Tooth Decay

Daily brushing, flossing and fluorides form on effective team in the fight against dental diseases. Now, dentists are also using sealants to further protect your child’s teeth from decays and to prevent him /her from ever experiencing the discomfort of a toothache.

What are Sealants?

A sealant is a tough, plastic material designed to bond with tooth enamel. Clear or tooth colored sealants are routinely applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This invisible barrier reduces the risk of tooth decay by keeping food and plaque out of cavity prone areas.

What Are Pits And Fissures?

During normal tooth developments, deep grooves form in the back teeth. These groves are called fissures. Where two fissures cross they form a pit. These pits and fissures fill up with food and bacteria. Because tooth brush bristles are too thick to reach into the pits and fissures, the food and bacteria cannot be easily removed by brushing, flossing and rinsing.

The protective enamel layer on the tooth is particularly thin in these pits and fissure. Bacteria acts on the food to from strong acids that weaken and destroy the tooth enamel. Decay starts and a cavity get formed. In order to save the tooth, it must be repaired by a dentist.

Why Use Sealants?

The use of fluorides has dramatically reduced the incident of tooth decay. However, fluorides are most effective in protecting the smooth surfaces of the teeth. Their use is limited in the pit and fissure area. Sealants provide additional protection by shielding these hard to reach grooves from decay-causing agents.

When Should Sealants Be Applied?

Tooth decay occurs much faster in children than in adults. Sealants should be applied to a child’s teeth as soon as possible, before decay has had a chance to set in.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Sealants are applied quickly and easier by either the dentist or dental hygienist. There is no discomfort and no need for anesthesia.

First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove debris and bacteria. Then, the surfaces to be sealed are chemically treated to etch the tooth for better bonding. The liquid sealant is then painted on the surface of the tooth of the tooth, where it flows into the pits and fissures. Some sealants harden with air exposure; others require ultra violet or visible light. A hand held ‘light wand’ may be used for this purpose.

How Long do Sealants Last?

Sealants usually last for many years. The abrasive nature of some foods like ice, hard candy or sticky foods can dislodge or damage a sealant. When it happens, the sealants can be reapplied to the tooth.

Decay And Sealants

If the decay process has already started, it is too late to apply sealants as a preventive measure. Decay will not start under a fissure sealant because the decay causing organisms are the deprived of the food and oxygen they need to flourish.

Summary

The use of sealants substantially reduces the risk of tooth decay by keeping food and bacteria out of cavity prone areas. In combination with careful brushing, flossing and fluorides, sealants are an effective step towards a lifetime of excellent dental health.