One of the simplest ways teeth can be protected from getting cavities is by using dental sealants. These sealants can be applied on the surface of teeth. They would cover the depressions on the teeth and ward off any bacteria from attaching to the grooves of the teeth. Grooves are usually very pronounced on the back teeth and sealants are applied to them. These sealants prevent the food from being in contact with the teeth, thus bacteria are not able to act on them and tooth decay is stopped. They are usually clear in colour or white so they are not easily visible.

Ideal candidates for sealants

While it cannot be considered as an alternative to brushing and flossing, sealants do offer additional protection for teeth. It is recommended by dentists to have sealants on the molars and it is known to reduce teeth decay by about 70-80%. Studies especially show that it is highly endorsed for school children, which will guard against tooth cavities. Ideally dentists suggest putting in dental sealants when their permanent molars come out, so their teeth can be saved when they are more prone to getting cavities.

Some dentists also suggest applying dental sealants to baby teeth. Milk teeth in children give way to permanent teeth, it is important that they do not lose their teeth quite early due to decay. Tooth decay is known to affect children as their food would be mostly milk or juices. These can act on their teeth and cause decay. Losing out teeth at an earlier stage can also cause the permanent teeth not being able to develop in their proper space. They would have to shift in awkward position if they do not have enough position to develop.

How are sealants applied?

The procedure done at a dentist’s clinic is very simple and painless. In fact, placing dental sealants can be considered to be one of the few dental procedures that are quick and easy.

At first the teeth are cleaned – this is to make sure that any food debris sticking to the teeth are removed. If after routine normal cleaning, there are some more food debris sticking to the teeth surface, then dentists would use an air-abrasion technique, which uses high speed air to blow away the food debris. Only some would need slight trimming of the teeth surface for cleaning. This is done in rare cases and is not painful.

Before the sealants are applied, certain gels are used, this will help to prepare the teeth to bond with the sealants. Another advantage of applying these gels is that they help to kill any remaining bacteria in the teeth surface. The teeth are then dried thoroughly, special agents are applied on the teeth to keep it dry.  The teeth are made a bit rough – this helps to absorb the sealants to a greater extent.

The sealants, usually liquid plastic is then applied to the teeth, it then gets absorbed and is glued in place in the teeth and forms a firm protective covering over the teeth. Due to their liquid nature, the gel will flow into the grooves of the teeth and fill up the complete area of the teeth which is used for chewing. After this process is completed, the dentists will then use a curing light to set it firmly. The dentist will then check further to make sure that it is fixed firmly and does not interfere with the chewing. The process usually gets completed within half an hour.

Benefits of dental sealants

Providing long term protection to teeth is what dental sealants provide. They help to cut down the cavities formed in the teeth. This saves money in the long term – as you prevent cavities from forming, you save money that you would have to invest in treating cavities. Research conducted on dental sealants also bring out data that they not only provide protection from tooth decay, but they also help stop decay in its early stages.

Besides this important feature they are also time effective and painless compared to most of the other dental procedures. The time that one would invest in the dental sealant treatment that provides lifelong protection is minuscule. Protection is provided to the teeth from the moment the dental sealants are applied to the teeth, no time is wasted for this. The natural white colour of the teeth will prevent this from being noticeable – one can have protection applied to the teeth and no one will be aware of this.

How to care for dental sealants?

Sealants offer care to the grooves and sides of the teeth. Brushing and flossing have their continued importance in dental health. Dental sealants are not alternatives to brushing and flossing. Care must be taken to ensure that gaps between teeth and other parts of the teeth are cleaned thoroughly to prevent tooth decay. If oral hygiene habits are poor, they can also affect the condition of sealants.

After sealants have been applied to the teeth, to make sure that they last for a longer time – few things can be followed. Reducing intake of sugary food and drinks, cutting down on chewing on ice and candies will help to maintain the protection offered by sealants. If a strong pressure is applied to the sealants, they would have cracks in them and would not be able to offer protection as intended. Foods that are especially sticky, need to be avoided as much as possible, they tend to pull on the sealants and would tear them away from the teeth surface.

Getting used to sealants would take time, as one would need to get used to ‘wearing sealants’, but this should be normalised within a day or two of applying them. Regular check-ups with dentists are also advised to keep sealants in place. Have consultations with the dentist with regard to dental protection needs of your family will be extremely helpful and choosing dental sealants for protection is highly valuable.