How Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities?

young girl shows off her baby brothers dental sealants

Even with the best daily dental hygiene, some of us are just more prone to cavities. Children are especially at risk because baby teeth don’t have the same durable composition as adult teeth. It can also be hard for children to get into the back area of the mouth, where food particles can get stuck and feed the bacteria that lead to cavities. And well-fed bacteria leads to the buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque produces acids that weaken and destroy enamel, the outer layer of our teeth. A cavity is a hole that indicates permanent enamel damage. We recommend dental sealants for many of our patients to help prevent cavities in the crevices of their molars.

What Is a Dental Sealant?

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating of resin that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth where food particles are prone to get stuck. When these crevices are leveled off, they are easier to keep clean and protected from decay.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Anyone who is prone to cavities would benefit from a dental sealant. This includes children, teenagers, and adults who regularly get cavities despite great dental hygiene.

Process of Getting Dental Sealants

The process is easy and painless. At your dental appointment, we will gently clean and add a solution to the teeth that will receive the sealant. Then we paint on the resin and wait for it to be dry and bonded to the teeth. We’ll use a special curing light to help make the process go faster. The result is teeth that feel the same but are more protected from cavities.

Protect Your Teeth with Dental Sealants!

Are you interested in dental sealants to protect you or your child from cavities? Contact our team today at Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry in Jackson, TN for more information about this preventive dental treatment.

Are you interested in improving your smile? Contact our friendly staff to schedule an appointment today!

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