Do you tend towards tooth decay and cavities when you see your dentist? The molars in the back of your mouth are particularly vulnerable to decay if you are unable to clean them thoroughly every day to keep out oral debris and bacterial plaque which hardens into tartar.
Usually, it is children and teens that benefit from dental sealants on their back teeth, which are challenging to keep clean. By placing the plastic coating or varnish of a dental sealant, the grooves and fissures in the molars and premolars are shielded from trapped food particles and bacteria. But adults who fight cavities can benefit as well, as long as you don’t have fillings or decay in them.
The American Dental Association affirms that dental sealants are safe and effective in keeping out decay. Your dentist cleans the tooth or teeth receiving the sealant, then the plastic coating is painted onto the tops of the chewing surfaces. They bond quickly to keep out oral debris.
You still need to brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist twice a year to remove hardened dental plaque. These are your best tools for keeping gum disease and tooth decay at bay.
If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, we invite you to schedule an evaluation with our dentist, Dr. Alex Abernathy, by calling Lakeland Dental Care in Jackson, Mississippi, at 601-981-8166 today!