A general dentist might recommend dental sealants if your teeth are vulnerable to decay. Sealants can also be used to treat sensitive teeth since the sealant provides a barrier that prevents acids and bacteria from touching the teeth.
Here are some of the reasons a dentist might recommend dental sealants for a patient:
Tooth decay is one of the most common issues dentists deal with. Children are particularly vulnerable to decay since they are still forming good oral hygiene and eating habits at this point. Children also happen to love sugary treats, and so do bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria convert the sugars left in food particles after meals, forming acids that cause tooth decay.
An effective way to protect a tooth from tooth decay is to start when a child is young. Baby teeth are more prone to decay than permanent teeth since their enamel is not as developed. Children also tend to have poorer brushing habits than adults, and they often struggle with cleaning the premolars and molars at the back of their mouth.
Most decay on teeth starts on their biting surfaces. Molars and premolars have fissures and pits that are used to grind down food. That makes it easier for food particles to get trapped in their grooves, which gives oral bacteria all the fuel they need to start destroying teeth.
Dental sealants serve as a protective coating that is applied on the chewing surfaces of teeth being treated. The sealant prevents acids in the mouth from reaching the tooth, making it easier to clean the tooth. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends starting treatment with dental sealants around the ages of 10 to 11.
Wisdom teeth are a relic of evolution since modern humans no longer need them. They are the last set of molars to erupt, and dentists often recommend extracting them. They are the most likely set of teeth to have issues erupting since there might not be enough space left on the jaw at that point.
In some cases, a dentist might determine that a patient’s wisdom teeth are essential for their health. When that is the case, the dentist might recommend covering them with sealants to protect against decay.
Sensitive teeth often lead to pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. Sensitivity is typically caused by teeth enamel wearing down due to issues like tooth decay or habits like teeth grinding.
Sealants can be used to cover up sensitive teeth, providing an additional barrier against hot, cold, and sweet foods. This is often enough to alleviate any sensitivity being experienced by the patient.
Protecting teeth with dental sealants does not cost much, but it is an effective way to protect teeth against tooth decay. Give us a call or visit our West Grove clinic to get started with treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove office.
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