Brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to prevent cavities, but cleaning every nook and crevice of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew – is not always easy (called molars). Molars are rough and irregular, making them an ideal hiding area for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria. There is, however, another safety net to assist keep your teeth clean. A sealant is a thin, protective coating made of plastic or other dental materials that attaches to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They aren’t a replacement for brushing and flossing, but they can help prevent cavities from forming and may even prevent early stages of decay from progressing to full-blown cavities. Today on the blog, our dentist in Pinellas Park FL is answering, “what are dental sealants?”

How Are Dental Sealants Used With Kids?

Dr. Wade, the best dentist in Pinellas Park FL, shares that sealants have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of decay in molars by over 80%. This is especially critical for your child’s dental health. According to the CDC, school-age children who do not get sealants have nearly three times the number of cavities as children who do have sealants.

What Is the Function of Sealants?

Our Pinellas Park dentist explains sealants as raincoats for your teeth. When cavity-causing bacteria in everyone’s mouth come into contact with residual food particles, they release acids that can cause holes in teeth. Cavities are what these holes are. After the sealant is placed, it keeps food particles out and germs and acid from resting on your teeth, similar to how a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

Who Is Eligible for Sealants?

Sealants can benefit both children and adults, but the sooner you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around the age of six, and your second molars break around twelve. Sealing these teeth as soon as they emerge can help keep them cavity-free from the start, saving time and money in the long term. Inquire with your dentist about if sealants are a good option for you and your family.

How Do Sealants Work?

It’s a simple and painless procedure. Before applying an acidic gel to your teeth, the dentist will clean and dry them. This gel roughens the surface of your tooth, allowing a strong bond to form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist near me will rinse off the gel and thoroughly dry your teeth before applying the sealant to the grooves of your tooth. The sealant will next be hardened by your dentist using a unique blue light.

Can Cavities Be Covered With Sealants?

Sealants can be used to protect your tooth from future harm caused by early decay. Because certain sealants are clear, your dentist can check to see if the sealant is performing its job.

Are There Any Negative Side Effects?

With the exception of a possible allergy, sealants have no known negative effects.

Is BPA present in sealants?
Yes, sealants contain trace amounts of BPA, but not enough to harm you or a loved one. In fact, simply touching a receipt, wearing cosmetics, or coming into contact with dust exposes you to more BPA.

Contact Park Boulevard Family Dentistry For Dental Sealants

Interested in dental sealants for you or your little one? Our team at Park Boulevard Family Dentistry is here to help. Contact us to learn more.