Dental sealants are a quick and effective way to protect teeth from cavities, especially for children and teenagers. Even with regular brushing and flossing, the grooves of the molars can be hard to clean. Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection to keep these vulnerable areas free of decay. This blog will explain what dental sealants are, how they work, and who can benefit from them.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) where cavities most often occur. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel. The process is quick and painless and can be completed in a single visit.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities. Even with regular brushing, it is difficult to clean these grooves thoroughly. Dental sealants act as a barrier, sealing out food and plaque. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars, making them an effective preventive measure.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

• Children and Teenagers: Dental sealants are most commonly applied to children’s and teenagers’ permanent molars as soon as they erupt, which is around ages 6 and 12. This is when the risk of cavities is highest.
• Adults Without Decay or Fillings in Molars: Sealants can also be beneficial for adults who have healthy molars with deep grooves and are at a higher risk of developing cavities.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

• Painless and Quick Application: Applying dental sealants is a non-invasive procedure that takes just a few minutes per tooth. There is no need for anesthesia or drilling.
• Cost-effective Preventive Measure: Preventing cavities with sealants is much less expensive than treating cavities with fillings or other dental procedures.
• Long-lasting Protection: Sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary.

Dental sealants are a highly effective way to protect teeth from cavities, particularly in children and teens. At Infinity Dental, we believe in preventive care as the best defense against dental problems. If you or your child could benefit from dental sealants, schedule an appointment with us today to learn more!