Fissure sealants or dental sealants offer protection to the teeth. They act as a net protecting the teeth from decay. Studies have shown that tooth decay can be arrested by about 80-85% by using sealants. These defensive coverings are beneficial for both children and adults. Decay is prevented with the sealants offering cover to the teeth from bacteria.

The teeth have grooves and uneven surfaces. These pits and crevasses in the teeth help in providing a good grinding efficiency to the teeth. These pits also attract bacteria, food particles get trapped in these small grooves and bacteria act of them. Acids are released by the bacteria and they act on teeth eroding them.

Applying sealants on the teeth is a very simple process. This is a painless procedure done at the dental clinic. The surface of the teeth is cleaned thoroughly and then a gel is applied. This gel gets hardened on the teeth and helps to serve as a good adhesive for the sealant. This gel is later washed away and the sealant is applied. This is made of plastic like material and will cling to the teeth. This property is beneficial as it can cover all the grooves and jugged surfaces of the teeth.

How do dental sealants help?

Tooth decay

Keeping teeth decay at bay is what dental sealants do. Teeth, especially at the back of the mouth that helps in chewing food need more protection. Sealants are applied to them and also the premolars that help in grinding to protect from decay. Focus is given on the molars as they have more grooves and uneven surfaces compared with the front teeth. Even thorough cleaning does not remove food particles from these uneven spaces. Sugary food especially gets stuck on the teeth and becomes a good place for the bacteria to attack.

Safety for kids

Dental sealants are suitable for young and old alike. Some dentists suggest putting on sealants when the first permanent tooth erupts. It is not required for all kids, it is usually recommended by dentists to those children who are more prone to dental caries. In some cases, sealants are applied to baby teeth as well. Baby teeth generally have more grooves when compared with permanent teeth. They are also considered as ‘space savers’ for permanent teeth, to ensure permanent teeth are properly spaced and aligned, dentists suggest dental sealants for babies.

Sealants for adults

Tooth decay can occur for adults as well. Lack of personal hygiene, life style all play a role in tooth decay. Applying dental sealants for adults helps to limit the spread of decay in teeth. Bacteria are not able to directly act on the teeth as they are cut off from direct contact with the teeth. It is not just personal hygiene, some are genetically predisposed to tooth decay. Sealants are especially useful to this section of people. It provides them better oral health.

Stopping gum diseases

Dental sealants do not arrest tooth decay they help in keeping away gum diseases as well. Bacteria can cause infection in the gum lining of the teeth. Infection can set in and cause inflammation of the gums. Decay in the tissues can spread if unchecked and can result in decay of the teeth. This infection can spread along the gum lining and affect other teeth as well. Applying sealants covers the area of the teeth and bacteria cannot latch on to them and help protect the teeth.

Less painful

When there is teeth decay, the extraction of teeth is suggested by dentists. This involves using local anaesthesia for teeth removal. After the effect of anaesthetics wears off, there would be pain in the area. One must also be careful about the type of food and drinks consumed. Dental sealants help to do away with the painful process of teeth extraction. Sealants offer protection against tooth decay and extraction of teeth is not required. Teeth remain healthy and decay free.

Saving money and time

Applying dental sealants is a very simple and quick process. It does not require much time and is cost effective. It is painless and even kids are not afraid to undergo this procedure. Without the sealants, combined with poor personal hygiene –many dental problems that can crop up. Sealants help to put a stop to possible dental issues by offering protection to teeth. Time and money spent in dental clinics for having to fix these possible oral health problems can be reduced to a large extent.

Durability

Most of the dental procedures usually require one to two dental consultations. This can vary if one is looking at complex dental treatment. Follow up consultations are also required – for example in the case of dental crowns. If they come off, then dentists might suggest a new procedure altogether. All this can be avoided in the case of sealants. Dental sealants are very durable and sturdy and once applied they can stay for up to 10 years or more.

Caring for sealants does not take much effort. Immediately after applying sealants, it would feel a bit odd as if one is biting into something unusual, this feeling will go away once the person becomes comfortable wearing it. Chewing on ice or any other hard food like nuts should be avoided immediately after placing sealants as this will chip them off the teeth. Sealants keep off bacteria and decay and also to some extent the staining of the teeth.

Though they do not require much care, it is important that during dental consultations these are checked. If there are chipped or there is an issue with the sealants, dentists will be able to suggest proper methods for care. Applying sealants are only a protective measure, they are not to be substituted for regular brushing and flossing. Sealants offer protection to the areas of the teeth where there are fissures and grooves, in the main areas where tooth decay starts. Cleaning teeth regularly, using mouth wash and flossing teeth should always be followed for good oral health.