Sugary drinks that claim to be healthy or energizing are everywhere today, especially in the U.S. Many parents put fermentable carbs like chips and crackers and sugary liquids like juice boxes in their children’s lunch boxes because they are easy to get to and won’t go wrong. Children’s diets also often include vitamins that can be chewed and sugary snacks that can be chewed and stick to the teeth. Acid attacks from these sources cause, most of the time, the first cavities in young children. These cavities are usually on the first molars.
In the 1960s, sealants were introduced to the general public to keep young children and adults from getting their first cavities.The American Dental Association says that sealants on permanent molars cut the chance of getting dental caries by 80%.
Most of the time, a young child doesn’t have the dexterity to brush their teeth properly. Instead, they brush quickly and only brush the teeth’ surfaces that are easy to reach.
Why Do We Recommend Sealants?
The key is to act quickly. Food particles and sugars can get stuck in deep pits, grooves, and fissures that are hard for the toothbrush to reach. As these particles get stuck in the cracks, they become food for acidogenic bacteria, which weakens the enamel and may cause a hole in the tooth in the long run (cavity). With regular checkups, we can track how the teeth are coming in and decide if the first and second molars are far enough so that dental sealants can be put on the chewing surfaces.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
A sealant is a liquid plastic put on the chewing surface of clean molars. A curing light is then used to make the liquid plastic polymerize or harden. The liquid sealant flows into the deep cracks and fills them up. This keeps bacteria and food particles from getting in and causing damage from acid attacks. Sealants are easy to use and can last for at least ten years. But they work best in the first 48 months after they are put in place. A sealant will keep the chewing surfaces from getting cavities and give kids time to grow and learn how to brush and eat right, which will keep their teeth healthy. Think about how little talent a young child has. Even something as simple as brushing their teeth is often done very poorly. Dental sealants are many kids’ first line of defense against cavities in their back teeth.
Can Sealants Fail?
Yes, they certainly can. When kids are wiggly, keeping their teeth separate and dry can be challenging, which can cause the sealant to fail. Sealants should be checked every six months and if they need to be replaced. But sealants can also fail if people drink a lot of sugary drinks. Because of this, fluoride therapy and nutritional counseling are also essential parts of the success of dental sealants. Sealants can also break down when you chew ice, making them wear out faster.
What Happens If A Sealant Is Accidentally Put On A Cavity?
Our dentists are often hesitant to put sealants on surfaces that could be damaged because they don’t want to seal in active caries. Maybe the tooth has decalcifications, or the explorer sticks a little, but there is no sign of caries on an x-ray, so the dentist hesitates and doesn’t seal the tooth because they don’t want to cap a volcano and have it blow up later. Tell the patient (or their guardian) that regular checkups and x-rays will help them see how well the sealant works on the tooth.
What Kind Of Sealant Should Be Used?
Choosing the right product can be challenging because there are many types of sealants and ways to apply them. Since there are different ways to dispense the product, it is best to choose the one you are most comfortable with, and that has the best success rate. Resin-based sealants and glass ionomer cement are the most common types. When the different types of sealants were compared, research showed no clear winner.
Final Words
Dental sealants are substances which can help to prevent dental caries for children or adults. Once applied it lasts approximately around 2 to 4 years.You can visit our dental clinic in Justin for the best dental sealant related treatment nearby.
