Posts Tagged ‘Dental Sealants’
Dental sealants
Dental sealants or sealants are plastic layers, thin, applied on the surfaces of the teeth.

The application of dental sealants can be done in the dentists’ offices, clinics, and sometimes also in schools. The application of sealants is easy and painless.
Sealants are applied “paint” the tooth with a liquid layer that hardens quickly and forms a protective coating.
It is possible that some people confuse the sealants fillings for cavities, but are not the same.
Why need sealants?
The most important reason for dental sealants is to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water protects the smooth surfaces of teeth but back teeth need extra protection. Sealants cover the surfaces of the teeth grinding and keep out germs and food particles.
Sealants applied to teeth that have not yet caries, also save time and money in the long term to prevent the application of fillings, crowns, or covers used to repair cavities.
What causes tooth decay?
The germs of the mouth turn sugar from food into acids. Over time, the acids can form cavities in the teeth called cavities.
Of course it’s best to have healthy teeth. It is important to prevent tooth decay. That’s why sealants are so important.
Why the teeth to decay easily?
The grinding of the teeth surfaces are rough and uneven because they have small cracks and crevices. Food and germs are deposited in these cracks and crevices and can remain there for long because the bristles of the toothbrush does not get them out.
When are sealants?
Dental sealants should be applied as soon as the child will leave the permanent teeth before decay can damage them.
The first permanent molars called “wisdom teeth of 6 years,” depart between 5 and 7 years old.
The second permanent molars, “the wheels of 12 years,” depart when the child is between 11 and 14 years of age.
The other teeth that have cracks and grooves, called “premolars”, may also need sealants.
Adolescents and young adults who are prone to decay may also require the application of sealants.
Is it necessary to apply sealants on baby teeth?
Your dentist might think it’s a good idea to apply the sealant on the teeth, especially if your child’s teeth have deep pits and grooves.
The teeth hold the space for when permanent teeth. Therefore, it is essential to keep them healthy so they do not fall soon.
Will insurance pay for the application of dental sealants?
State Medicaid programs and certain dental insurance companies pay for dental sealants.
How long protects a dental sealants?
A dental sealants can help protect up to 10 years, but is necessary for the dentist or hygienist will check periodically to ensure that sealant has not fallen off or worn. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material to the tooth.
What if a cavity is accidentally covered with a sealant small?
A small cavities not be extended because it is isolated from germs or microbes and food that help cause it.
Are sealants new?
No, sealants have been around since the sixties. Research National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) and others, led to the development of sealants and showed that they are safe and effective.
However, many people do not know what they are dental sealants. In the United States, less than 25% of children have dental sealants.
How I can get dental sealants for my children?
Call your dentist, local or state dental association, or health department. Sometimes sealants are applied in schools. Contact your school to see if they have a program for dental sealants.
Tooth Care: Dental sealants

Taking good care of teeth includes a good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing, the use of fluoride in toothpaste, food with low levels of sugar and a healthy portion of milk (rich in calcium) and Of course, a periodic visit to the dentist.
Dental sealants, also known as sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on the teeth to form a protective cover against cavities. The children’s teeth have small grooves that can not always be cleaned with a brush, sealants cover these grooves and avoid becoming food particles and germs.
It is a liquid applied on the wheel, the same which hardens quickly without causing discomfort or pain. The dental sealant protects wheels for up to 10 years, but it is always necessary to review to ensure that it is in good condition, otherwise apply more sealant.
Should be applied only child to have their permanent teeth, usually around 6 years old, in some cases, dentists also apply sealant on primary teeth with deep grooves. If the child has a small cavity and it has been applied to the sealer, there is no problem since the seal isolate the germs the same and not be extended.
Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth – molars and premolars – and are very effective in preventing tooth decay (caries). Dental sealants are particularly effective on the posterior teeth and the back teeth contain pits and grooves harder to achieve than serve as a host to food debris and plaque formation.
How effective are dental sealants?
Because sealants act as a physical barrier against the destruction and the formation of dental plaque, in most cases offer 100 percent protection – the most important variation is the degree to which the sealant adheres to the surface the tooth. In addition, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a tooth decay slightly destroyed. This action seals off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that cause cavities. The dental sealant becomes ineffective when it breaks all or part of the bond between the tooth and the sealant.