Benefits Of Dental Sealants For Adults and Children

Published Date: July 25, 2024 Last Update: September 26, 2024

Author: Dr. Kirandeep Kaur

A healthy smile is an important part of overall well-being. Your smile not only boosts your confidence but also plays a crucial role in speech, digestion, and facial structure. However, maintaining strong and cavity-free teeth can be a challenge, especially for the deep grooves and pits of our back molars and premolars. This is where dental sealants come in. A dental sealant is a simple yet effective way to protect smiles of all ages. Read on this blog to know the benefits of dental sealants on adults and children's smiles. This blog dives deep into the world of dental sealants for adults and children, exploring how sealants work, their benefits, and when to consider sealants and maintaining your smile with dental sealants.

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What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of back molar and premolar teeth. These coatings, typically made from a BPA-free plastic resin, act as a shield, blocking out food particles, preventing plaque, and bacteria that can lead to cavities.

Here's How Dental Sealants Work:

1. Sealing the Grooves

Back molars and premolars teeth have naturally deep pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces. These grooves can trap food particles and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for cavity-causing acids. Dental sealants fill these grooves, and pits creating a smooth surface that's easier to clean and prevent debris accumulation.

2. Barrier Against Plaque and Acid

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth because of the bacteria that feed on sugar and starches in our food. This process produces acid that can erode tooth enamel which later leads to cavities. Sealants act as a physical barrier that helps in preventing these acids from coming into contact with the enamel and causing damage.

Benefits for Sparkling Smiles: Why Choose Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants offer various advantages for both children and adults, making them a valuable treatment in maintaining good oral health. Following are some of the key benefits of dental sealants for adults and children:

1. Cavity Prevention

Cavity protection is the primary benefit of dental sealants for adults and children. Dental sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in children by up to 60-80%. Adults also get the benefit of dental sealants as sealants offer substantial protection against decay, especially for those with deep grooves or susceptible teeth.

2. Painless and Non-invasive Procedure

The application of a dental sealant is a quick and painless process. The dentist will first clean and dry the teeth. Then, apply a mild acidic solution to the tooth surface to create a slightly roughened texture, ensuring a strong bond with the sealant. Finally, the liquid sealant is painted onto the chewing surface and cured with a laser curing light. The entire procedure typically takes just 30-45 minutes per appointment.

3. Safe and Effective

Made from biocompatible materials, dental sealants for adults and children are safe. Additionally, with proper brushing and flossing, dental sealants can last for 4-7 years, often up to a decade, before needing reapplication.

4. Cost-effective Preventive Care

Compared to the cost of fillings and other restorative dental procedures, dental sealants are a highly cost-effective way to prevent cavities. Additionally, early intervention through sealants can save money in the long run by preventing the need for more expensive treatments down the line.

5. Improved Oral Health Confidence

Dental sealants for adults and children can promote better oral health by reducing the risk of cavities. This leads to a healthier smile, less dental problems, and a boost in confidence when it comes to smiling and social interaction.

6. Long-lasting Protection

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental sealants can offer long-term protection against cavities. This provides peace of mind knowing that your teeth are shielded from decay.

7. Suitable for All Ages

While dental sealants are often recommended for children as their teeth develop but they are also beneficial for adults. People with deep grooves in their teeth, individuals who are prone to cavities, or have undergone orthodontic treatment can all benefit from the additional protection offered by dental sealants.

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When to Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a versatile preventive dental tool, but some situations make them particularly beneficial:

1. Children with Newly Erupted Permanent Teeth

As permanent molars and premolars erupt, their deep grooves and pits are highly susceptible to cavities. Sealants applied soon after eruption can offer crucial protection during these vulnerable years.

2. Adults with Deep Grooves or Pits

Even adults can have deep grooves or pits in their teeth, making them more prone to cavities. Sealants can be applied to these teeth for extra protection from cavities.

3. Individuals with Previous Cavities

People who have a history of cavities are at a higher risk for future decay. Sealants can help prevent new cavities from forming in these vulnerable areas.

4. Those with Difficulty Brushing or Flossing Effectively

For individuals who may have difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene due to physical limitations or braces, sealants can provide an extra layer of defense against cavities.

Maintaining Your Smile with Dental Sealants

While dental sealants offer excellent protection, they are not a replacement for good oral hygiene habits. By following the below-mentioned steps, you can maximize the benefits of dental sealants and keep your smile healthy and cavity-free for years to come. Here's how to maintain your smile for optimal results with dental sealants:

1. Maintain a Brushing and Flossing Routine

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are still essential to do after getting dental sealants. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth, while flossing reaches between teeth and under the gumline, areas that sealants don't cover.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental visits are crucial for monitoring the condition of your sealants. During checkups, your dentist can assess if the sealants are intact and functioning properly. They can also clean your teeth thoroughly, removing any plaque or debris that may have accumulated around the sealant.

3. Avoid Chewing Hard foods

Biting on hard candy, ice, or other hard foods can damage dental sealants. It's best to avoid these types of foods to ensure the longevity of your sealants.

4. Monitor Sealant Wear & Tear

Dental sealants can wear down over time due to normal chewing and biting. While they are quite durable, it's important to be mindful of any chipping or cracking. During regular dental checkups, your dentist will inspect the sealants for wear and tear. If a sealant shows signs of wear, your dentist can recommend reapplication.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are a simple yet effective treatment for safeguarding smiles of all ages. Sealants offer a significant advantage for children and adults in the fight against cavities. They provide a protective shield, reduce the risk of decay, and promote good oral health. With their ease of application, long-lasting effectiveness, and cost-efficiency, dental sealants are a valuable investment in a healthy smile. If you're looking for a way to protect your teeth or your child's teeth proactively, consult with our dentist about dental sealants. Our expert dentists can assess your individual needs and determine if sealants are the right choice for you.