Oral hygiene habits are essential for the prevention of serious oral health issues, including cavities. The ADA recommends that you brush twice a day and floss at least once every day. Even if you brush and floss properly, however, there are some areas of your mouth that are more difficult to properly clean than others. This can result in the formation of cavities despite your best efforts. One of the most vulnerable areas of your teeth are the chewing surfaces of your molars. The Dentists at North Cypress can provide you with additional protection with sealants.
Sealants are an additional protective measure against cavities. They are a synthetic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars. Made up of plastic, sealants work to seal the deep crevices and grooves in the chewing surfaces of your molars, preventing food particles, bacteria, and other debris from getting trapped. At the same time, sealants make the molars easier to clean.
Placing sealants is a quick, simple procedure. It is non-invasive and completely painless. Before you can receive sealants, any existing cavities need to be treated. When placing sealants, we begin by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. We then apply an acid etch to the chewing surfaces of the teeth where sealants will be applied. This helps to create a rough texture so that the sealant material can more effectively bond with your teeth. The acid etch is washed off and your teeth are thoroughly dried. We then apply the sealant material and use a special light to cure, or dry, it. Once the material has been cured, your teeth are provided with immediate protection.
Even though sealants are made from plastic, they are fairly strong and can withstand a significant amount of daily wear and tear. Should they become damaged, it is easy to replace them.
Sealants are an effective protective measure against the formation of cavities. However, they are only effective when combined with good oral hygiene practices. Sealants are not a replacement for taking proper care of your teeth. While they can protect the areas over which they are applied, the rest of your teeth, including the areas around the edges of your sealants, are still vulnerable to decay and cavities. You should continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. In addition to these practices, you should also have your mouth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year.
Cavities, and sealants are commonly associated with children. Because of this, many people mistakenly think that sealants are only for kids. Adults can develop cavities. Approximately 91% of adults have had at least one cavity in an adult tooth during their lifetime. No matter what your age, if you are prone to cavities, sealants can be an incredibly effective measure to help keep your teeth healthy.
When combined with good oral hygiene practices, sealants help to protect your teeth from the formation of tooth decay and cavities. Call The Dentists at North Cypress today (281) 664-8100 for more information and to find out if sealants are right for you.