Sealants are thin coatings that are painted on the surfaces used to chew. The liquid sealant helps in bonding the grooves of the teeth, forming a shield that protects the enamel of the teeth. Flossing and brushing remove plaque and food particles from the smooth surfaces. They cannot reach the crannies and nooks in the back teeth. Sealants protect this area from tooth decay by sealing the plaque and food particles. People who are likely to get sealants are adults since grooves are in the premolars and the molars.
How Do Sealants Prevent Cavities
The sealants are applied by a general dentist who applies the sealant first cleans the surface and dries the area to ensure the adhesive forms a strong bond with the teeth. The gel makes the chewing surface to be rough. Afterwards, the gel is wiped, and the tooth surface is dried.
Dental sealants protect the crevices in the premolars and the molars by removing the plaque and food substances accumulated. Applying the sealant prevents the bits of food out and stops the acid from accumulating inside the mouth. Kids should get sealants on the premolars and molars as soon as the teeth are out. The sealants can protect the teeth for up to 10 years.
How Long Do Sealants Last
Sealants are durable, and they can last up to 15 years. However, once a person gets the dental sealants, they should visit the dentist regularly to check and place the bonds in a firmer position. However, one should note that dental sealants are not substitutes for flossing and brushing. One should brush the teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, floss at least once a day to remove the plaque that has buildup on the teeth and visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups.
