Sealants And Dental Health: All You Need To Know

Most dental issues are preventable with adequate care for our teeth. Nevertheless, many people assume that taking care of their teeth is limited to regular brushing and flossing. However, there are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as using dental sealants.

Our dentists at Bloomfield Pediatric Dentistry are committed to protecting you and your family’s dental health by offering you dental sealants near you that reduce the risk of tooth decay.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings that cover the grooves and depressions in the chewing surface of molars and premolars.

The dental sealant flows into the grooves of teeth, forming a layer over the molars. Sealants are also recommended for adults and children who practice good oral hygiene habits since a toothbrush doesn’t get to completely clean in between the grooves. In addition, the sealant material shields the pits and grooves, providing protection against accumulation of dental plaque, food particles, and bacteria.

Who Can Get Sealants?

Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children because they are at a high risk of developing cavities. However, sealants are not limited to children; dental sealants for adults are available for those whose teeth have deep grooves, and have no existing fillings, or decay on their rear teeth.

Usually, sealants are recommended for children who have just grown permanent teeth, that is, their molars and premolars. However, in rare cases, dental sealants are used on children with baby teeth when the child has a history of cavities. Protecting baby teeth is important since they play a crucial role in the development of permanent teeth.

How are Sealants Applied?

Some parents may be concerned whether the dental sealants procedure is painful for their children. Instead, the process is non-invasive, painless, and simple. This procedure only takes a few minutes. First, your dentist will thoroughly clean the surface of the teeth by using a rotating brush and special tooth gel to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris trapped between the teeth.

Your pediatric dentist will then use an acidic solution on the teeth that roughens the chewing surface, creating a bonding surface for the sealant.

The sealant is then applied to the teeth, and it is quickly hardened using a special light to form a strong surface. With an adhesive, eating and talking is normal since the sealant doesn’t affect the natural function of the teeth.

Are Sealants Safe?

Most parents question the safety of dental sealants on their children; the adhesives are not toxic and contain few elements of BPA incapable of causing harm. The most common side effect of this treatment is allergic reactions. However, that’s something of concern since not everyone experiences allergic reactions. In this case, contact and discuss with your dentist whether you qualify for dental sealants.

The dental sealant material is FDA-approved, and with our experienced pediatric dentist near you, you’re guaranteed significant results.

Advantages of Sealants

Many benefits come with dental sealants. Here are some of the pros:

• First, the dental sealant procedure is straightforward and painless.
• With sealants, your children can freely enjoy sweets since the risk of developing cavities is reduced. However, it’s also crucial to practice oral hygiene and protect other teeth from the harmful effects of sugars.
• Dental sealants as a preventive measure may save you money in the future. Sealants prevent cavities that would otherwise cost you, and they also remove the need for dental extractions and tooth replacement.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

With proper care, your sealant can last for years. However, avoid chewing on ice and hard objects as these may cause your sealants to crack. It’s also crucial to practice regular brushing and floss your teeth as recommended, and regular visits to your pediatric dentist ensure their longevity. Your dentist will check that your sealant is working properly at each appointment, and they will recommend necessary reapplication if the need arises.

Dental sealants play a major role in ensuring good dental health. Do you need dental sealants in Bloomfield, CT? With our dental sealants, you can effectively keep your teeth free of harmful bacteria, leaving your family with healthy teeth and bright smiles. You should also maintain good dental hygiene standards since sealants are only a preventive dentistry procedure. Kindly contact us today to book your appointment.