Dental Sealants – Irving, TX
Prevent Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants
Did you know your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime? Unfortunately, the biggest threat to their longevity is tooth decay. Although it can be prevented, 42% of children under the age of 11 and 92% of adults have had at least one cavity. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist in Irving significantly decrease the risk of decay, but they may still not be enough. You can enjoy an added layer of protection with dental sealants.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Your teeth are bombarded by harmful sugars in the foods and drinks you consume throughout the day. When your saliva combines with the sugars, it turns to an acid that slowly eats away at your enamel until a small hole develops. Now, you have a cavity that requires immediate care.
You can reduce your risk of decay in cavity-prone areas with dental sealants. 90% of cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of the molars because they contain deep crevasses that are hard to clean. Dental sealants have shown to reduce the risk of decay by 81% when applied to the molars.
Although they are most often recommended for young smiles by your children’s dentist in Irving, you are never too old to benefit from the protection of dental sealants. The clear plastic coating is painlessly applied to the teeth to create a protective barrier between the enamel and cavity-causing bacteria.
How Can I Get Dental Sealants?
It is recommended children receive dental sealants between the ages of 6 and 14 during their regular preventive appointments. You can also have them applied during your semi-annual visits for a cleaning and checkup.
The teeth are cleaned before an acidic solution is applied to ensure a strong bond between the enamel and the sealant. The clear coating in painted on the teeth and quickly hardened using a special light. The sealants blend in with the enamel, so no one will ever tell they are there.
Dental sealants can last for an average of 10 years before needing to be replaced. They are durable to withstand everyday chewing, but they can become damaged or fall off over time. You can help to ensure they last for as long as possible by maintaining your oral hygiene and avoiding chewing overly hard foods. We will check the sealants during each preventive appointment to look for damage. We can easily replace them if they lose their bond with your tooth.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
You and your family can enjoy a cavity-free smile using the protection of dental sealants. When combined with the right oral hygiene habits, a healthy diet, and regular care for your dentist, you can help to ensure your teeth last for a lifetime. Contact our office today to learn more about dental sealants or to schedule your next preventive appointment.