Sealants & Fluoride
San Antonio, TX

Have you ever heard that prevention is the best medicine? When it comes to your teeth, it turns out that this idea is right on the money. All too often people will let their teeth fall by the wayside and assume that they can simply fix any issues later in life. Do not be that person! The fact is that your natural teeth are vital to your health and your happiness, and it’s much better to prevent issues from occurring than it is to salvage things after problems have already set in. Think about a garden, for example, and imagine a few weeds springing up. Would you rather pluck those weeds right away, or let them grow for a few years and then attempt to save whatever flowers have managed to survive?

Sealants and fluoride are great ways to help keep your teeth healthy. They can even help protect your teeth from common issues.

What are sealants?

Dental sealants are a very thin, plastic coating that is painted on the surface of back teeth. This is a common kind of treatment that you might even find in schools or clinics! It’s a painless and fast procedure that will quickly create a hard ‘”shield” over your teeth to help keep them in good shape.

How are sealants applied?

The sealant application procedure is, as mentioned above, an easy and quick one. First, the tooth in question will be cleaned, and then dried. Cotton is often placed around the area to ensure that the tooth remains dry throughout the process, as this helps the sealant adhere. A solution is then applied to the tooth to make it a little rough to promote bonding between the sealant and the tooth surface. The tooth will then be washed and dried again, and the sealant will be painted on its surface. It will harden in just a few seconds, and that’s it! Your tooth is now properly sealed.

Do I need sealants?

Sealants and fluoride work to help prevent tooth decay from occurring. Fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste, and mouthwash works to keep the smooth surface of your teeth clean, but the chewing surfaces of your back teeth need some additional help. This is where sealants come in! They cover your back teeth and save you money by reducing things like cavities.

Who should get sealants?

In general, children will get sealants to keep their teeth healthy while they grow and learn to best take care of them. They should receive these sealants as soon as possible. When the teeth come in, you should come in to get them sealed. Look for permanent molars around the ages of five to seven, and then again from eleven to fourteen. Although less common, teenagers or young adults whose teeth are prone to easy decay might also want to receive sealants and ensure that plenty of fluoride is being consumed.

If you are interested in learning more about tooth sealants and fluoride, contact us today! Our team can help keep your teeth in great shape.