However, there is a great way to protect these, and this is through a sealant. Essentially, this is a thin layer of plastic that is put on the chewing surfaces f molars, and occasionally teeth that need help with this, that prevent food particles and bacteria from getting into the crevices. The sealants will help with preventing cavities from forming, and often, they reduce the risk of decay by about 80%, and while they work well, they’re not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
While adults can get these, they’re great for children to have until they have their molars fully come out. If there are teens and adults who don’t have tooth decay, these are great to help prevent cavities on their teeth now, and in the future.
Now realize that about 80% of tooth decay does happen in children in the pits and fissures of teeth, which is where those sealants go. This in turn will reduce the exposure, and thereby the cavities for the teeth.
Typically, these are put on a child’s tooth after the permanent teeth erupt, which is between the ages of 5-7 years old. The procedure can be done at any Bothell dentist office, and the child can have themselves informed if needed.
It’s also used to help with teeth that do need to have some bacteria off of them. remember that at any time period, the mouth is full of various bacteria, and some of these aren’t so great. Take that, combine it with various food and drink particles that you might have, and because of this, all of this will mingle together. The bacteria might feed off of these particles, especially if they are acids that they will eat, which will then excrete more acids which in turn will create holes in your teeth. These are cavities, and you don’t want to have a ton of these period. These sealants will help with keeping the food particles in your mouth from settling onto these. Essentially, think of it as a raincoat for your teeth to protect them.
Sealants are very simple to put on and they are painless in terms of a procedure. The first thing that the dentist will do is to clean and dry them. Then, there will be an acidic that is painted onto the tooth. It’s a gel that is on the surface to help rough it up a little bit and create more of a surface area for the sealant to stick too. From there, the tooth will rinse and dry once more, and then, the sealant will be put on. You might notice that there is a blue light that is used on there to harden and keep the sealant set.
For many people, having a sealant on is one of the best things to do. If your mouth is prone to cavities and decay, these are essential, and an x-ray procedure can tell you a lot about this. This can help with preventing cavities before they form, and often, once you have it put on once, you don’t have to have them put on time and time again for a few years. It’s pretty interesting, and definitely something that you will notice as you continue on forward. For many, this is something that can really help, and you will also have your dentist check the sealants each and every single time. While these are recommended for children, if you’re an adult who has had great teeth and you want to keep them around for a long time and have no tooth decay, then this is for you. Talk to your dentist today to see if you can get these great and helpful dental tools for you.
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