Dental sealants are excellent preventive aids to protect your teeth against decay and the formation of cavities.
They are widely used in children and kids while getting permanent teeth to keep new teeth free of cavities. Let’s read more about dental sealants, their application in preventive dental decay, and when you need them.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealant is a plastic-like coating applied as reinforcement over the teeth’s surface to protect them from decay. These sealants are usually applied over the premolars and molars to avoid cavity formation. Dental sealants are usually recommended for kids and teenagers to protect their new teeth while learning to take care of their teeth. In some cases, adults prone to tooth decay could also be recommended these sealants.
When Should You Go for Dental Sealants?
The following scenarios call for a dental sealant application:
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- As soon as they get their first permanent molar teeth, children are ideal candidates for dental sealant application. Typically, the first molar appears between 5 to 7 years of age. In this way, sealants can protect the teeth from around 6 years of age through 14 years.
- Other molar teeth usually appear at 11–12 years, and the dentist can recommend undergoing dental sealant application.
- Adults with weak teeth or teeth prone to decay in case of certain diseases can opt for a dental sealant procedure to prevent teeth from further decay.
Points to consider:
- Dental sealant procedures are not used as an excuse for regular oral hygiene.
- You would still need to brush your teeth twice daily with toothpaste and floss at least once daily.
- Fluoride toothpaste is usually recommended for teens and adults; however, your dentist might recommend even fluoride toothpaste to children, depending on the dental condition.
Are Dental Sealants Different From Crowns?
Dental crowns, or “caps” as they’re sometimes called, serve a different purpose than dental sealant. The purpose of a crown is to keep the tooth intact and strong, while the purpose of a sealant is simply to protect the tooth from further decay. If your dentist has recommended a crown, the sealant is not a replacement option.
Taking care of your and your kid’s teeth from the early on is crucial for a strong foundation. While routine oral hygiene habits can help prevent dental decay, dental sealants are excellent preventive measures to prevent tooth decay, especially for kids and teenagers. They protect the teeth from bacteria and acid decay and resultant cavity formation.
We at East Lansing Smiles offer the best-in-class dental services. If you or your kids have teeth that are prone to cavities, you can protect the teeth using dental sealants. Book an appointment with our expert dentists or call us at (517) 210-0428.