What Parents Need to Know About Dental Sealants
Looking for a children’s dentist? Newberg Family Dental aims to provide the best in children’s dentistry, including dental sealants.
You might have heard about dental sealants and wondered if they’re right for your family. We’d love to talk to you about this cavity-prevention tool at your next appointment. Until then, here are the basics.
Seal Out Bacteria
Dental sealants are a thin coating painted carefully onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). Molars work hard, and are particularly rough and uneven. Many cavities develop from tiny grooves along these surfaces.
Dental sealants prevent cavities on the chewing surface by bonding a thin layer of durable resin to the grooves, literally “sealing” teeth away from the harmful effects of bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
Applying the sealant is a quick and painless process. Sealants can last for many years, protecting enamel from decay. Your Newberg dentist will check for any chipping of the sealant at regular checkups.
Why Sealants Are Great For Kids
Though brushing and flossing can remove much of the food and bacteria in our mouths, it’s not easy to clean areas in the back of the mouth. It can be particularly hard for younger patients who just don’t have the dexterity (or the attention span) to clean their teeth properly twice a day.
Often, sealants are applied once the full set of adult teeth arrive in adolescence. But sometimes, it may be an appropriate treatment for “baby teeth” as well. Dr. McLeod would be happy to help you with any questions.
But What About Adults?
Dental sealants are great for kids, but kids aren’t the only ones who get cavities. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, adults in the United States ages 20-34 have the most untreated cavities in their back teeth out of any age group.
Sorry, we don’t have a No Cavity Club for adults. But no cavities? That’s worth celebrating at any age.
The earlier sealants are applied, the better. That’s part of why they can be so important for kids. Sealants aren’t applied over current fillings, so that puts many older adults out of contention.
However, if you don’t have fillings or crowns, you might be a great candidate!
Sealants may not be covered by dental insurance for adults. If you have questions about insurance coverage for any procedure, please check with our Newberg dental office. Call 503-538-7717 to speak with our friendly front office staff today.
Sealants at Our Dental Office in Newberg
Interested in sealants? Ask about them at your next appointment at our dental office in Newberg, Oregon. We’ll be glad to talk you through whether they’re right for your family.