Reasons Why Adults Get Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are for kids, right? Not necessarily. Sealants are one of the most valued tools in preventative dentistry, as they provide a layer of protection for teeth that are vulnerable to cavities. While this treatment is commonly offered to pediatric patients, adults can also benefit from dental sealants.

Sealants are meant to “seal out” tooth decay by adding a thin coating of clear plastic to the molars. These back teeth contain the most grooves and pits, and they are also the teeth that are hardest to clean. For this reason, permanent molars commonly attract cavities, and dental sealants can help to prevent this.

Children hit their “cavity-prone” years from about age 6 to age 4, which is when your dentist will most likely recommend dental sealants for your child. Sealants have been shown to reduce childhood tooth decay by more than 70%. However, this same highly effective preventative treatment can also protect an adult’s smile.

Just like kids, adults get cavities. If are deemed at a moderate to high risk of tooth decay, you may qualify for dental sealants. Such cases include adult patients who have:

• Deep pits, ridges and grooves in the back teeth
• Frequent cavities on the surrounding teeth
• Dexterity issues that prevent them from cleaning the molars well
• Health conditions that make decay more prevalent (diabetes, dry mouth, etc)

Keep in mind that sealants are designed to keep healthy teeth healthy, which means they cannot be applied to a tooth that already has a cavity or filling. Fortunately, getting dental sealants is one of the most affordable, painless and quickest treatments in dentistry. In just minutes, the coating is gently painted on the teeth and allowed to dry. You may have to get used to a new feeling when you bite down, but this is a sight and temporary adjustment. While your dental sealants won’t last forever, they’ll give a nice return on your small investment by protecting your smile from cavities for up to 10 years!

If you think you could benefit from dental sealants as an adult, let us know. At Gainesville Dental Group, we proudly offer dental sealants as an easy means to keep your smile healthy and strong!

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group