Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth are the best ways to prevent cavities. However, it can be tough to reach every nook and cranny. This is especially true with our back teeth, called molars, which are particularly special because of their strength and the pivotal role they play in chewing. But did you know that these molars have areas with grooves that allow for bacteria to hide more easily? Because of their shape some of our teeth (molars and premolars) are more susceptible to cavities. The good news about all of this is that there is something called a sealant that helps protect our teeth. This thin protective coating made of a special dental material goes over the chewing surfaces of our molars and can keep cavities from forming. In certain instances, they can also stop early decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce the risk of decay nearly 75-80% in molars.
We get our first set of molars at around six years of age and our second at twelve. So, this is a very important consideration in keeping your children in good oral health as they grow. A study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released in 2016 stated that only 43% of school aged children 6-11 years old had sealants. According to the CDC, "school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants."
Sealants are appropriate for children and adults. The process is quick and painless. Sealants can often last for years and are examined at your regular checkup by your dentist. Some dental plans cover the treatment, and contacting your insurance company is the best way to find out what kind of coverage you have. This may have raised questions about sealants. To learn more about sealants, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist or the doctors at Greater Washington Dentistry; ask Dr. Shohreh Sharif about sealants to find out if they’re appropriate for you or your child.
HOW ARE SEALANTS EFFECTIVE?
Think of sealants as raincoats for your teeth. The cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouth use the left-over food to produce acids that can attack the strongest layer of our teeth. These acid attacks can create holes or cavities. Once the chewing surface of a tooth is sealed those bits of food will be left out and sealants will stop bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth. Sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to a tooth. Because some sealants are clear, your dentist can keep an eye on the tooth to make sure the sealant is doing its job properly.
IS THE PROCESS PAINLESS?
Yes! Applying sealants to your teeth is a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing a conditioner gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up the tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, the tooth will be rinsed off and dried before applying the sealant onto the chewing surfaces. Afterwards a special blue light is used to harden the sealant into its final form. It will be strong and last for a long time.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
There are no known side effects, aside from an allergy that may exist. Sealants contain fluoride-releasing material which is a mineral that strengthens enamel but does not contain any chemicals to cause you or a loved one any harm. In fact, you get more exposure to other harmful products such as BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics or coming in contact with dust.
Text box:
Dr. Shohreh Sharif has been practicing dentistry for 25 years. She is: Assistant Professor, Howard University College of Dentistry Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Diplomate, American Orthodontic Society IAD Top Pediatric Dentist among Leading Physicians of the World Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry