How Do Sealants Help With Dental Health?

Dental sealants can be the difference between having healthy or unhealthy teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to taking proper care of teeth. However, regardless of how well a person cleans their teeth, some food particles will be left on teeth surfaces. These food particles are broken down into acids by the bacteria that live in the mouth, and these acids can destroy teeth enamel. The end result is tooth decay, which can lead to the total loss of the tooth if left unaddressed.

The best way for people to protect the hard-to-clean areas of the mouth from tooth decay is by using a dental sealant.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a clear coating that is painted on teeth surfaces. The coating works similarly to the way teeth enamel works, protecting the tooth from acids in the person's mouth. The coating completely covers the tooth, acting as a protective barrier.

The teeth at the back of the mouth are most susceptible to tooth decay since these are used to grind down food and are the hardest to clean. These teeth have many grooves that food particles can get stuck in.

Dental sealants can reduce the odds of having cavities by up to 80 percent for the first two years after its application and by 50 percent for the first four years. Sealants can be very helpful when it comes to keeping children's teeth healthy since they tend to struggle with brushing their teeth.

How sealants are applied to teeth

Getting teeth protected with a sealant is a painless process that does not require any anesthetic. Here is what patients should expect during their appointment:

  1. The teeth to be sealed are cleaned and dried.
  2. An acidic solution like phosphoric acid is used to roughen the surface of the tooth. This makes it easier for the sealant to bond to it.
  3. The teeth are washed and dried for the second time.
  4. The teeth are painted with the sealant.
  5. Ultraviolet light is used to bond the sealant to the tooth.

Dental sealants are one of the more affordable treatments performed by dentists. Sealants will save the patient lots of money down the road, so their costs are justified.

Who needs dental sealants?

Anyone can benefit from the protective properties of dental sealants. It protects teeth from decay, and that leads to improved overall health. Sealants are even more effective when the patient practices good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.

Our Dental Office is always ready to help! 

Regular visits to the dentist are also an essential part of good oral care. It gives the dentist an opportunity to perform a cleaning and remove tartar. It also allows the dentists to detect developing issues in their infancy.

Dealing with tooth decay? Talk to one of our dentists about dental sealants.

Request an appointment in our Visalia dentist office here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com.

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