Using dental sealants as an extra layer of protection against cavities

Protecting the smile from cavities and periodontal disease requires daily effort. Patients may leave their smiles at risk of many problems without brushing and flossing. Regular visits to the dental office for cleanings and evaluations are highly recommended to reduce the risk of issues. Dr. Archana Sheth and her experienced team at Dental Care of Riverside in Riverside, California, can recommend additional treatments to improve teeth’ resistance to decay and disease. One of the more common methods is by applying dental sealants to the surfaces of a patient’s teeth.

What are dental sealants?

Quality dental sealants are a type of protective covering applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are prone to more cavities. Sealants act as a barrier to protect the tooth enamel from the bacteria and acids that cause cavities. While sealants are most often used on children’s teeth because they are more likely to develop cavities in their back teeth, adults can also benefit if they have deep grooves in their back teeth that are difficult to clean. Sealants for kids and adults are beneficial in reducing the risk of tooth decay.

When can cavity sealants be applied to the teeth?

Sealants are usually applied soon after the tooth erupts while still smooth. Once a tooth has developed pits and grooves, it is more difficult for the sealant to bond correctly. This protective coating for teeth may also be used as a sealant for sensitive teeth in children and adults.

How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants can last several years but must be checked and reapplied as needed. This can be done during routine cleanings and evaluations in our office!

How do I learn more about dental sealants for kids and adults?

Sealants are a great way to help prevent cavities, especially in children’s teeth.

If you think you or your child could benefit from sealants, talk to Dr. Archana Sheth and her team at Dental Care of Riverside at (951) 666-8998.

She can thoroughly evaluate and determine who is a good candidate for this and other available preventative care solutions.