You might remember from your childhood that your dentist would treat your teeth with dental sealants. As you reached adulthood, this preventative dental care became less common. But this does not mean that adult dental patients cannot receive this preventative dental solution.
Patients of all ages can take advantage of the tooth protection that comes from sealants. Your dentist can let you know if this treatment will suit the unique needs of your smile during your next check-up. And you can read on to learn more about dental sealants and the oral health benefits this treatment can provide.
What Do Dental Sealants Do?
A dental sealant is a protective coating painted onto a tooth by your dentist. This thin layer of composite resin goes over weakened tooth enamel to build a shield or barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria that could create a cavity.
Cavities are an early stage of tooth decay that develop when natural oral bacteria penetrate weak enamel to eat away a hole in the dental structure. A dentist can drill away decay and fill the resulting hole in the tooth.
But ideally, you should preserve your natural smile for as long as you can. And sealants can help you protect your dental health by blocking bacteria.
Can Adults Benefit from Sealant Treatment?
Dentists will recommend sealants for their pediatric dental patients for several reasons. Kids tend not to brush their teeth as thoroughly as they should. This could make their teeth more at risk of cavities without protection from sealants.
However, adults also form tooth decay. And they might have other risk factors that put them in danger of cavity formation. Poor oral habits might increase the chances of cavities, and certain underlying health problems, like dry mouth or medication side effects, may make teeth extra vulnerable to decay.
In these cases, preventative measures taken at home and in the dentist’s office might not be enough to stop cavities. Dental sealants can better preserve the health of a patient’s smile no matter their age. But different patients will react differently to this treatment, so consult with your dentist.
Are Dental Sealants Right for Me?
Every patient has their own unique smile, which is why your dentist employs a personalized approach when it comes to dentistry. A dentist will consider your existing dental structure and medical history to determine a preventative dental treatment plan that will suit your specific needs.
Ask your dentist if dental sealants can help you accomplish your oral health goals. You will still need to adhere to good oral hygiene routines to properly fight cavities. This will entail brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing each day, and attending regular teeth cleanings from your dentist.
In conjunction with this dental care, sealants will boost protection for your smile, especially if you possess risk factors that put you in danger of decay. Learn more preventative dentistry tips by contacting your dentist online or by phone at 757.982.8467.