When Should You Get Dental Sealants Applied?When Should You Get Dental Sealants Applied?
If you’ve ever wondered about dental sealants, you’re in good company. A lot of us hear the term tossed around now and then by our dentists but may not know exactly what they are or when they should be considered. Let’s chew over what sealants are all about, who needs them, and when the right time is to get them applied.
Understanding Dental Sealants
First off, dental sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These areas are groovy and pits where food particles often get trapped and can be difficult to remove with regular brushing. Sealants are designed to prevent cavities by covering these grooves and making the tooth surface smoother and, therefore, easier to clean.
Who Can Benefit from Sealants?
Now, who’s a good candidate for sealants? The answer might surprise you—it’s not just kids! Although sealants are often recommended for children and teenagers because the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars is the highest right after they erupt, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. The truth is, as long as you have teeth with grooves and pits that are hard to clean, sealants could be helpful.
Children and Sealants
For children, the optimal time to apply sealants is soon after their permanent molars come in. This means that sealants are typically first applied around the ages of 6 to 7 for the first set of permanent molars and then again around age 12 for the second set. That way, the sealants can defend their teeth through the cavity-prone years of 6 to 14.
Adults and Sealants
But what about adults? Even if you’ve made it to adulthood without any issues, sealants could still be the unsung hero at your next dental visit. So, if your dentist spots deep grooves that are untouched by decay or fillings, they might suggest getting sealants to keep things on the up and up.
The Right Time for Sealants
Timing, as they say, is everything. The best time to get sealants depends on individual risk for cavities and the current state of the teeth. Here is how you can gauge if you or your kids are timing it right:
Taking Stock of Your Dental Health
Do you find yourself prone to cavities despite a good oral hygiene routine? Maybe grabbing some snacks throughout the day is your weak spot, or perhaps your teeth have deep crevices that are a hideout for food particles. If you find yourself nodding, sealants could be the right move for you.
Consider Your Oral Hygiene Habits
A consistent oral hygiene routine is critical to maintaining dental health. However, if you’ve got a hectic schedule or young ones who are still perfecting their brushing technique, sealants can offer extra protection against decay.
Assessing Your Risk
If you’ve got a history of dental decay or you frequently enjoy foods and drinks high in sugar, you’re at higher risk. For kiddos, sealants are pretty much a no-brainer as they’re still learning to care for their teeth. Parents, be on the lookout for when those permanent teeth come in – that’s the prime time for sealants.
How Sealants Are Applied
The process of getting sealants is quick, painless, and straightforward. During your visit, the dentist will clean and dry your teeth, apply an acidic gel to roughen up the tooth surface (this helps the sealant bond with the tooth), rinse off the gel, dry the tooth again, and then paint the sealant onto the tooth enamel where it bonds directly and hardens. Sometimes, a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
Effectiveness and Longevity of Sealants
Sealants can last up to ten years, but they do need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental visits. If you’re interested in getting a dental cleaning in Southampton, making an appointment with a professional can give you the added benefit of having them check on any existing sealants or apply new ones if necessary.
Quick Tips for Sealant Care
- Maintain good oral hygiene – brushing twice a day and flossing daily is key.
- Visit your dentist regularly to have your sealants checked.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy, which can chip sealants.
Other Protective Measures in Dental Care
While sealants offer great protection against cavities, they’re just one part of a solid dental care strategy. Things like fluoride treatments can also fortify your teeth against decay. And for those unexpected dental needs, seeking emergency dental care can prevent further complications and keep your smile healthy.
Sealants and Orthodontic Care
What if you’ve got braces or are considering straightening your teeth? Well, the great news is that sealants are still an option! If you’re visiting an Invisalign dentist in Southampton for orthodontic care, don’t hesitate to ask about sealants. They can make cleaning those hard-to-reach areas a whole lot easier, especially while wearing aligners.
Conclusion
Dental sealants are a fantastic preventive measure against tooth decay that can benefit just about anyone with deep grooves in their teeth – from energetic kids to health-conscious adults. The key is to get them applied before decay starts, during the ages most prone to cavities, or upon the recommendation of your dentist.
With proper care and routine dental checkups, sealants are a simple, effective way to keep those pearly whites just that – white and healthy. So, the next time you visit your dentist, it might be worth having a chat about whether dental sealants are right for you or your family.
