Sometimes the cleanest of mouths still carry the risk of developing cavities, no matter how diligent you are at polishing your pearly whites. “Even if you brush and floss carefully, it’s difficult to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth,” says Heroes Dental founder, Dr. Sergio Guzman.
Today’s “Tip Tuesday” from your friendly McAllen family dentists here at Heroes Dental focuses on how you can combat cavities through the application of dental sealants.
What are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a type of coating that is normally applied to permanent back molars and premolars. This protective coating keeps bad bacteria and food particles from entering the grooves and crevices of your permanent teeth, which can increase the risk of developing tooth decay.
“Sealants protect the grooves and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities are found,” said Dr. Guzman.
When plaque finds a comfy little nook in your teeth, it will make itself at home. When you eat, food particles feed the bacteria in these crevices. In time, the bacteria secrete acids that wear down the enamel of the tooth, leading to the development of cavities.
And cavities can be costly to treat.
That is why the best approach to avoiding cavities will always involve a healthy routine of brushing and flossing daily, cutting down on the sugary foods and drinks, frequent professional teeth cleanings – and dental sealants to keep your premolars and molars in great condition.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
The process for applying dental sealants is actually very simple. The process typically takes only one visit to Heroes Dental. The actual process is best explained by Dr. Guzman:
“The tooth is first cleaned, conditioned, and then dried. The sealant is then flowed on to the grooves of the tooth and allowed to harden with a special light.”
And just like that, the sealant is set.
Sealants are available for children or adults and can also be used on other permanent teeth that have deep fissures or grooves. Dental sealants also last for quite a long time, so long as they are properly taken care of.
“Research shows that sealants can last for many years if properly cared for,” says Dr. Guzman.
Depend on dental sealants, like Heroes Dental, to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Contact us at any of our South Texas locations to schedule an appointment today.
At Heroes Dental, we understand that you want what’s best for you and your children’s dental health. Dental sealants help to prevent painful cavity problems and are a great investment as they prevent costly dental procedures.
If you or your children need that extra bit of protection from plaque and tartar buildup, the family dentists at Heroes Dental are more than capable of providing the dental care you deserve.