Keep Cavities at Bay: A Quick Guide to Dental Sealants

92% of American adults aged 20 to 64 have cavities in their permanent teeth. Judging by this statistic, you've probably got a few yourself.

When you notice a toothache, you'll go to the doctor and they'll inspect it. And if it's a cavity, they'll clean, drill, and put in a filling.

But did you know you can also get dental sealants?

This article explains what dental sealants are and how they can help you.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are used to protect your teeth. They use a thin plastic coating and paint it onto your teeth by your dentist.

Typically, dental sealant is used on your back teeth to help protect them from bacteria and decay. It bonds with the shape of your teeth so it's like a thin barrier between your teeth and the outside world. More specifically, it's used in the deep grooves.

Dental sealants are usually used on adults since it's not worth it to put on baby teeth.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

One of the biggest benefits of dental sealant is that it'll seal off bacteria's access to deep grooves in your teeth, which is where it's harder for you to brush and floss. As a result, you'll be less prone to getting cavities.

But what are the other benefits you can get?

It's an Easy and Fast Process

The dental sealants procedure is easy and fast. It can be done in one visit and it takes just minutes!

Your dentist will clean and dry your teeth, then clean them again with a mild etchant. Then, they'll rinse off the etchant and dry your teeth again.

They'll then place the dental sealant on your teeth and use a curing light to harden the sealant.

It's Painless

Many people are afraid of pain at the dentist's office, and rightfully so, considering there are drills involved. But you'll have nothing to fear, since the procedure is painless!

As you can see by the above section, all that's really involved is cleaning, drying, and sealing.

Protect Existing Cavities

If you have a very small cavity, dental sealants can be used to protect these areas. It's a great alternative to filling the cavity. Plus, it can prevent bigger cavities from happening.

It Lasts a Long Time

In general, you can expect sealants to last between 3 to 10 years. So you won't have to go back often to get them redone!

However, you should be aware that if you have acid reflux, eat lots of acidic foods, or grind your teeth, this can cause the sealants to wear off quicker.

As you can see, there are many benefits of getting dental sealants, so search for a "dentist near me" now!

Ask Your Dentist About Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a fantastic way to be proactive about cavities, especially if you get them often. So if you feel like your brushing and flossing routine isn't getting everything, then dental sealants can give you a helping hand!

Want to find out more about dental and overall health? Then browse our blog page.