Dental sealants: Seal out cavities and tooth decay
Nine of every 10 cavities develop in the permanent molars at the very back of the mouth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It makes sense; these teeth are harder to reach and can, in turn, be harder to clean – especially for younger children. There may be the temptation to spend a little more time brushing and flossing the teeth that are seen by others when we smile. Additionally, there are anatomical features specific to these back teeth, which can make them a challenge to properly brush and clean.
Dental sealants to the rescue!
McKinney Dental patients in and around Madison, Wisconsin, have a terrific decay fighter in the form of sealants. This type of preventative dentistry procedure is effective at preventing around 80% of cavities in studies. Furthermore, sealants are:
- Safe
- Appropriate for all ages, children and parents alike
- Painless
- Fast
- Affordable
Sealants are designed to function as a covering over decay-prone back teeth. They are made from non-toxic and clear material and can be brushed on as a liquid by Dr. Dan McKinney. Once the sealant is hardened and secured to the natural teeth, it keeps out all of the bad stuff that contributes to oral disease – lingering food particles, harmful bacteria, sticky plaque, and hardened tartar or calculus.
Foods tend to become trapped in the uneven surfaces of the premolars and molars. If these particles are not removed properly from the grooves, pits, and fissures of your teeth, they promote the development of acids and sticky bacterial plaque film. Plaque can then build up and harden into tartar, which is so stubborn that only professionals like our dental hygienists can remove it with special tools and a skilled hand. These substances both erode the teeth and release toxins that break down the supportive attachments of structures of the teeth (the gums).
Schedule today!
We can complete the application of sealants in just one visit. Sealants may even be easily incorporated into your (or your child’s) regular dental visit. We simply apply the sealant material to clean and dry teeth. At every check-up, we will ensure the sealant is in good condition and replace as needed. Sealants may be recommended for children as soon as their first permanent molars come in, around the age of six. However, they can also be a good preventative measure for adults who are at risk of decay and tooth loss. Call McKinney Dental in Madison, WI, at (608) 249-6511 for more information.
