Hello! My name is Den. This blog is going to cover a range of dental topics. I am not a dentist or a dental nurse but I have recently undergone a lot of dental treatment. This treatment has given me a great insight into the world of dentistry and I would like to share everything I have learnt with you here. Last year, I developed terrible pain in my mouth. I was diagnosed with severe tooth decay. The dentist removed the problem teeth and then inserted false ones in their place. He also whitened my teeth to improve my smile. I hope you find my blog useful.
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Brushing and flossing twice a day is an important way to maintain your oral health and avoid cavities, but sometimes it isn't enough. Many dentists offer dental sealants as an additional way to protect your teeth from cavities. Here are some things to know about dental sealants.
How do dental sealants work?
When a dentist provides you with dental sealants, they help to create a protective barrier over the surface of the teeth. This can help reduce bacteria and plaque that leads to tooth decay. A plastic material is painted onto the area of the teeth most susceptible to decay, which is on the chewing surfaces near the back of the mouth, often on the molars. Once the material is applied to the chewing surfaces, the teeth feel like normal. While brushing and flossing is still essential to proper oral health, dental sealants allow the grooves to be protected, which are hard to fully clean with tooth brushing.
During each check-up with your dentist, they will look at the sealants and make sure they are still in good condition. While sealants can last a long time, they will wear away eventually, requiring more sealants. However, if the sealant is removed and you get decay before getting more sealants, you might not be able to get them again until the decay has been treated. You may also get fluoride treatment in addition to the sealants.
Who should get dental sealants?
Dental sealants will not generally be applied to younger children with their baby teeth, but instead older children and teenagers who have their permanent teeth come through. Adults also frequently have sealants applied. However, it is most often done with children and teens, since it helps to prevent fissure and pit decay in the molars.
What are some other ways to prevent decay?
While having dental sealants is a good start to your long-term oral hygiene, you still need to focus on keeping your gums and teeth clean with brushing. You should use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss 1-2 times a day, or when your dentist recommends it. The floss helps get underneath the gumline and between your teeth in spaces where the toothbrush can't reach. You should also be careful about what you eat, reducing foods and drinks with a lot of sugar or high acid content. Continue seeing your dentist regularly for a check-up and professional cleaning.
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