Dental sealants are an excellent way to provide extra protection from decay and cavities. Dental sealants, after fluoride treatments, are the highest recommended preventative procedures offered at dental offices. The combination of at home dental care with the application of dental sealants, will have a drastic impact on the likelihood of cavities forming in your teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are an applied thin coating, often made of plastic or other dental materials, on the teeth that work to prevent decay. Dental sealants work by binding to your molar’s chewing surface, which is rough, uneven, and challenging to keep clean. Sealants will provide extra protection in these hard to clean crevices and surfaces and are recommended for patients of all ages. An awesome statistic of dental sealants is they are shown to provide an 80% decrease in the risk of molar tooth decay. Now that’s a service worth smiling for!
When Can You Start Getting Dental Sealants?
Children are at higher risk of dental decay than adults. Once molars have pushed through the gum line of children and young adults, it is recommended they receive dental sealants. Molars usually begin to develop around the age of six, and the second set at age 12. The earlier sealants can be applied, the better protected their molars.
Teeth Cleaning
In addition to dental sealants, it is recommended that children, and adults, see the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. Regular cleanings are the best defense against tooth decay and other dental issues that arise.
Dental Checkups
Dental sealants can be included in your regularly scheduled dental cleaning and often do not require a stand alone appointment. Dentists will offer sealants once your child’s molars are fully present.
Schedule A Dental Cleaning in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
If you have questions about routine cleanings, dental sealants, or any other service, our friendly team is happy to assist. If you’re ready to schedule your first, or your regular cleaning, give us a call or click here.