When Brushing and Flossing Aren't Enough

Even with magnificent brushing and flossing, cavities can sometimes occur. The biting surface of a tooth is often filled with pits and fissures. These areas are tiny dips and grooves that can trap food and other substances such as bacteria because the large bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach them. Once trapped, bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque, where it releases acid that destroys tooth enamel causing a hole or cavity.
Dental sealants are a great tool in fighting cavities in children and adults. A sealant is simply a plastic coating that is applied over the tiny grooves that tend to trap bacteria. By covering these grooves and dips, the bristles of a toothbrush can more efficiently reach and therefore clean all surfaces of a tooth.
The application is easy and quick, not to mention completely painless. First, the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to ensure that no bacteria are being sealed underneath the plastic coating. Then, the biting surface of the tooth is coated with an acidic gel that serves to roughen up the surface of the tooth to ensure that the sealant adheres. This gel is then washed off and the tooth is thoroughly dried. A white or clear coating is then squeezed into the fissures of the tooth and brushed over the pits with a small brush that resembles the brush used with nail polish. The dentist, hygienist, or assistant then closely examines the tooth to make sure all of the fissures and pits are covered. A special curing light is shined on the tooth and within seconds the plastic coating has hardened and bonded to the tooth’s surface. The entire process usually takes only a few minutes for each tooth
Sealants are traditionally applied to a person’s six and twelve year molars, which are typically the last two teeth toward the back of the mouth. Since the development of pits and fissures occurs early in life, most dentists recommend sealants as soon as those teeth have fully come in. Insurance companies often pay for the application of sealants because of their effectiveness in preventing common decay. Sealants can be applied to any tooth with a fairly profound biting surface and insurance companies have begun to pay for sealants to be applied to these teeth as well. Sealants can last for years and a dentist will check the status of a sealant during regular dental visits and reapply them when necessary.
In the long run, dental sealants are far less costly in time, money and comfort than fixing preventable dental problems. All in all, dental sealants are a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to help ensure a lasting smile.

For more information about sealants you can contact www.ada.org or residents of Chariton County are welcome to call the Chariton County Health Center at (660) 665-3675.