Did you know that placing dental sealants on permanent molars can reduce the risk of cavities by 80%?
Many children have deep grooves in the chewing surfaces of their teeth that trap food and bacteria, and some children have a hard time brushing, especially their back teeth. Both of these situations lead to an increased risk of cavities. Luckily, our dentists and hygienists can correct these problems by offering dental sealants.
A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that our dentists may recommend to protect a patient’s teeth from decay. A dental sealant is made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material, which is painted onto the chewing surface of teeth. By blocking out the bacteria and food debris that lead to tooth decay, the sealant prevents decay and cavities. The dental sealant forms a smooth coating over the natural pits and grooves of the tooth surface, which also makes it easier to effectively clean teeth with normal brushing.
Dental sealants are most often recommended for children, especially for the permanent molars as soon as they come in, usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years. But we may also recommend dental sealants for adult patients whose teeth are prone to decay or have suffered from decay in the past. We can apply dental sealants in just one short, comfortable visit to our practice. We invite you to call Potomac Dental Centre if you or your child would like to receive dental sealants.