Maintaining dental hygiene at home with routine brushing and flossing is important in preventing cavities and keeping teeth healthy. However, some teeth have crevices that make it difficult for tooth brushes and other at-home hygiene products to clean, making these areas susceptible to decay. Dentists use sealants to address these fissures in teeth and prevent cavities. That's why it's important to find the right pediatric dentist for your child so you can schedule their first visit.
Pits and Fissures in Teeth
Pits and fissures can be a major source of cavities because food and debris can get lodged deep in the tooth and develop harmful bacteria and plaque. These pits often cannot be cleaned with a regular tooth brush, making these areas dangerous places for cavity development. Furthermore, many of these crevices are a direct route to the pulp of the tooth, which can cause greater complications if it becomes infected.
Pits and fissures often develop on the premolars and molars, which make these areas the focal point for installing sealants.
What are Sealants?
Dental sealants, also referred to as pit and fissure sealants, are thin plastic coatings used to cover the crevices on molars and premolars as a preventive measure against cavities. Sealants block out food and debris from getting caught in between these spaces and make it easier for individuals to maintain proper hygiene at home.
Many dentists advise children to receive sealants as soon as their premolars and molars have completely erupted, in order to prevent complications down the road.
Seek Out an Experienced Professional
It is important to find a good, reliable dentist that’s able to perform the procedure efficiently and effectively. Poor administration of sealants can generate crevices between teeth and contribute to cavities rather than prevent it.
Sealants work best for young children up to their early teens to prevent from developing cavities during their most impressionable years. Additionally, because of both their importance to a child’s early development and their increased risk for developing caries, baby teeth can also benefit from the use of sealants.
Learn More!
Sealants can be an essential procedure for children to ensure they grow up with a healthy set of beautiful teeth. Find out more about sealants. Visit our practice in Marietta and schedule your consultation with Dr. Bradberry.