There is an old adage that says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventing diseases is, perhaps, the most beneficial thing that anyone can do when they have the ability to do so. At Gainesville Dental Group, we are happy to offer our patients one of the simplest, yet most effective, dental treatments in order to prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are painted on to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth in order to “seal out” decay. The application of dental sealants is painless and fast, making them the optimal solution for even the most anxious or youngest dental patients.
Having dental sealants applied to the premolars and molars is specifically done to prevent tooth decay. The foods that we eat are made up of sugars. Despite eating the healthiest diet, fruits and vegetables are still made up of natural sugars. As these foods are chewed, the sugars begin to break down inside the mouth and produce acids. Over time, it is these acids that create a cavity in the tooth. A dental cavity – no matter how small or how large – is a form of tooth decay. Preventing such decay from occurring is essential in promoting optimal oral health for the long haul.
The premolars and molars were designed for the specific purpose of crushing, chewing, and breaking down foods. Their uneven and rough surfaces make them ideal for this role. However, it is these uneven surfaces that make cleaning of these back teeth more difficult. There are many grooves and pits in the molars where food particles become trapped. If these food particles are not removed, bacteria and acid collect and begin to eat away at the tooth enamel. Brushing and flossing can only do so much in regards to cleaning these back teeth because neither are designed to reach into these tight and deep areas. Dental sealants have the specific purpose of sealing out food particles and acids from the back teeth. A thin, plastic coating is simply painted onto the surfaces and then hardened with a curing light so that the sealants bond with the teeth. Dental sealants typically last for two to four years, making them worth any out of pocket expense.
Gainesville Dental Group is here to help you achieve and maintain the highest level of oral health. We proudly offer dental sealants to patients of all ages to protect their teeth from damaging decay. Please contact our dental practice to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
