How Safe Are Dental Sealants?

Often, the surface of the permanent back teeth is coated with dental sealants as a preventive dentistry procedure to shield them from cavities. The sealant instantly forms a barrier of protection over the surface of teeth by bonding with the pits and grooves. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants shield both children's and adults' teeth from tooth decay in 80% of cases.

A permanent molar or premolar typically has grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces, which make them prone to tooth decay. The positioning of these pits and grooves and their presence make it easy for food particles to become lodged. These food fragments cause plaque accumulation and tooth decay over time.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

The structure of teeth is destroyed as a result of tooth decay. It happens when food particles adhere to the tooth surface, such as those from soda, cereal, milk, fruits, candies, cakes, or bread. These meals are typically broken down and converted into acids in our mouths by bacteria. Plaque forms on your teeth later due to the combination of bacteria, saliva, acids, and food particles. Additionally, plaque acids destroy your teeth' enamel and cause holes.

Even if brushing and flossing help to remove plaque and food debris from the surface of the teeth, it is insufficient. Temporary or permanent teeth have a rough, uneven exterior on the back that is susceptible to harboring food particles. As a result, it is impossible to completely remove all of the plaque or food from teeth by brushing and flossing. Thankfully, applying a sealant will shield teeth from the acids and germs that cause cavities. You can get them by googling “dental sealants near me” and making an appointment with the dentist.

Generally speaking, sealants offer the following advantages:

• A painless and efficient method of cavity prevention;
• Ensure long-term defense. Sealants often last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene;
• After being applied, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in children, teenagers, and adults;
• They decrease the risk of undergoing invasive dental procedures like fillings or crowns;
• Sealants are virtually undetectable because they can be clear, white, or colored;
• The majority of dental insurance plans pay for sealants;
• Small cavities can be covered with it to stop further harm.

How Soon Should Dental Sealants Be Applied?

The sooner sealants are applied, the better. Your dentist typically applies a sealant to the first permanent teeth as soon as the biting surface emerges. Premolars and molars usually erupt at age six and stop at age 12. So, by sealing these teeth as soon as they appear, you can guarantee they won't get cavities for a long period.

Deep pits and fissures in baby teeth can also be sealed with fissure sealants. Maintaining the proper spacing between permanent teeth is greatly aided by primary teeth. To safeguard infant teeth and prevent early tooth loss, your dentist may advise sealants for your child.

Are Sealants For Teeth Safe?

Pit-and-fissure sealants are typically a successful treatment to stop tooth decay. Consumers are, however, becoming more concerned about the safety of dental products. The reality and some of these myths are listed below.

• Because they contain Bisphenol A (BPA), sealants are poisonous - Only a few products contain any significant amounts of BPA in sealants. This amount is insufficient to harm you or your family in any way. Generally speaking, sealants expose you to less BPA than cosmetics, handling receipts, or breathing dust;
• The outcomes of fluoride varnish are the same as those of sealants - Fluoride varnish does not protect you from getting new cavities but it does stop tooth decay from developing.
• Dental insurance doesn't pay for sealants - For those under 18, several dental insurance plans will cover sealants;
• Although they can help prevent cavities from developing in the first place, sealants cannot stop the aggravation of pre-existing tooth decay.

Sealants are worth a go, even if they might need to be renewed in case of chipping, falling out, or wearing away. This preventive measure has been shown to be both safe and efficient.