At Clark Family Dental, we are very aware of the importance of preventative treatments. The sooner we can address the causes of tooth decay, the less damage will be done, and the less expense and pain our patients will experience. For this reason, we recommend dental sealants to both adults and children, depending on exact circumstances. Sealants are an effective safeguard against decay in one of the most vulnerable parts of your mouth, the molars.
Dental sealants work by coating the chewing surfaces of your molars, which are naturally very uneven and can be a perfect home for bacteria. But the liquid plastic of the dental sealants fills in those natural seams, leaving a smoother surface that is harder for plaque to cling to. Sealants last for many years, protecting your teeth the entire time. They are all but invisible, especially since they are at the back of your mouth, and will ensure your teeth stay healthy and safe from cavities.
We recommend sealants most frequently to children and adolescents with new adult molars. While the molars are difficult to clean properly in any case, this is especially true for children, who may not yet have the skills or dexterity to do a thorough job. However, sealants can also be of benefit to adults—especially those with particularly deep crevices in their teeth—and to young children, whose primary teeth are important even if they aren’t permanent. A large proportion of decay begins in the molars, especially in children. By sealing off the molars, most of that decay is prevented entirely.
If you are interested in dental sealants or concerned about your dental health, you can make an appointment for yourself or your child either online or by phone. Don’t wait; the longer tooth decay exists, the worse it gets.
