When it comes to fighting cavities, Dr. Peter McPherson will tell you that brushing and flossing every day are the best things to do. However, sometimes the toothbrush may miss a few spots here and there, no matter how carefully you try to brush. Dental sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene, but they can literally add another layer of protection to your teeth.
Dental sealants are one of the preventative services we offer at Twin Falls Family Dentistry in Greer, South Carolina. When we apply a dental sealant, we will paint a thin plastic coating over your teeth. Usually, dental sealants are applied to the back teeth, or molars. Molars have grooves in them, which means that they have more places for plaque and bacteria to hide. Once we have painted on the sealant it will penetrate those grooves, and we will cure it using a light. When that is done, your tooth will have a shield to help protect it from decay.
Should you get dental sealants? We often use dental sealants for children and teenagers whose adult teeth have come in. We like to make sure that their teeth are protected between the ages of 6 and 14, which are years in which kids are more cavity-prone. But, adults who do not have tooth decay or fillings in their molars can also get sealants.
On average, dental sealants last for about ten years. But there is a chance that during that time, they may chip or start to wear away. That’s why even if after you get dental sealants, you should continue to come in for regular checkups and cleanings.