We all know that regular flossing and brushing is essential to keep cavities and gum problems at bay, but there is another under-utilized but effective measure: dental sealants.
The benefits of dental sealants are numerous. These plastic protective coverings that are placed on the chewing surface of the back teeth help by filling in the groves where debris and bacteria can get stuck and promote tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants helped prevent cavities by 80 percent for a couple of years.
Beyond cavity prevention, dental sealants have proven to be cost-efficient and safe. Read on to know the many benefits of dental sealants.
Prevents Cavities
The tooth’s chewing surfaces have fissures or grooves that make them vulnerable to deterioration or decay. These grooves can be narrower than one single toothbrush bristle. If the acid from the bacteria in the plaque accumulates, cavities can develop. Dental sealants can provide that much-needed protection.
Cost-Effective
Dental sealants prevent cavities, especially in children. This reduces the need for dental treatments, which, at times can be costly. If 7 million kids have dental sealants, this can prevent at least 3 million cavities, saving approximately $300 million in dental treatment costs. When you consider the maintenance and money required for teeth repair, we can safely say that the cost-saving benefits of dental sealants can only get greater as time passes.
Safe
Parents may be concerned about the safety of dental sealants, but dental sealants have been entirely effective and safe for decades. There has never been an adverse reaction to dental sealants reported.
Painless and Quick
The placement of dental sealants, is in fact, one of the quickest, most conservative and painless. After a good cleaning, the sealant is painted onto the molar’s chewing surface. Then the dental sealant is placed on the tooth and hardened with the use of a light. The entire process takes no more than a few minutes.
If your child doesn’t have sealants yet, talk to your Dallas dentist regarding your options. Your caring dental team at Dallas Dental Wellness can help ensure that your child has a happier and healthier smile for life!
Sources:
“Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/2016-10-vitalsigns.pdf
“Dental Sealants,” American Dental Association, https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/dental-sealants
“Return on Investment: School Sealant Programs,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infographics/roi-school-sealant.html
“Sealants,” Mouth Healthy by ADA, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants
