For children and parents, sometimes a trip to the dentist can feel like grade-card time at school. You’ll soon find out how well you did over the last six months. And, unlike a test in school, you can’t cram for a dental exam. Last minute brushing and flossing will not fix a cavity that has developed over time.
We'd love to share a simple secret to more effective cavity prevention that might make exam time a little less stressful. Dental sealants have been proven to thwart cavities. Stopping cavities before they happen saves money and creates a foundation for long-term oral health.
Are sealants only for children?
Dental sealants offer the same protection and cavity prevention for patients of all ages. However, because teeth are most vulnerable to decay when they first arrive, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends kids receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt.
How Do Sealants Work?
Dental sealant is applied onto the tooth enamel. Made of plastic resin, the sealant bonds into the grooves and depressions as it quickly hardens. The result is that teeth are now protected from plaque, decay, and subsequent cavities for up to ten years with normal chewing. As part of regular cleaning visits at Murray Dental Group, our team check seals to ensure all is well.
Is Treatment Painful?
Not at all. The application of dental sealant is much like having your teeth painted with a quick-dry, transparent coating. It’s easy and pain-free regardless of your age.
Are Sealants Right For Me?
If you would like to add an extra measure of cavity prevention, our team would love to help. While regular brushing and flossing help cavity prevention and overall oral health, even good brushing cannot always reach all the grooves and depressions in your teeth. Food particles often get caught in hard to reach places like the premolars and molars, leading to the development of cavities.
At Murray Dental Group, we especially recommend sealants for children and adolescents to protect their teeth and prevent cavities as they grow. Contact our team today to learn more.
