Dentist in Encinitas Explains Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are yet another tool your dentist in Encinitas can use in the battle against tooth decay. Some of the grooves in your teeth are too small even for the bristles of a tooth brush making it nearly impossible to effectively clean them. Nevertheless, food and bacteria can get caught in these grooves, leading to cavities and tooth decay. A dental sealant is simply a resin that is applied to the tooth and prevents cavities from forming as a result of food and bacteria entering the tiny grooves.

A 2009 article in the Journal of the American Dental Association presented findings that ten different studies over a four year span showed that patients with dental sealants had a 59% reduction of cavities. Dental sealants applied by your Carlsbad dentist is an excellent way to help fight cavities.

Sealants are so effective that they have been provided by some schools to children who otherwise would be unable to visit the dentist. Similarly, dental sealants have been applied to the the teeth of children with developmental challenges or sensory issues that make brushing difficult. Sealants can be especially effective on children because the grooves in teeth are deepest when they first come in, making them more susceptible to decay. Be warned, dental sealants do not prevent cavities that are the result of forgetting to floss, so flossing and brushing are still important, especially for protecting your gums.

Talk to the staff at your La Costa dental office to see if dental sealants are a good idea for you or your children. We all could use an extra tool in fighting the battle against cavities and tooth decay. The application process is simple and many insurance policies will cover sealants for children under a certain age. Dental sealants may need to be touched up or reapplied by your dentist in Encinitas every few years. This all depends on the patient’s habits. People who grind their teeth, chew on ice, or eat a lot of sticky food may have their sealants wear down more quickly than people with other eating habits.

If you have other questions about dental sealants or would like to get answers to any other questions about any other aspect of oral hygiene, reach out to the staff at Solana Family Dental who will happily answer any questions you may have. Call (858) 345-4497 to make an appointment today.