Understanding the Benefits of Sealants

benefits of sealantsSCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA

Back teeth, like molars have deep crevices that trap food and bacteria. Left in these deep crevices, those food particles become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities. This often is the case for children because they tend to not brush their teeth well. Sealants are a way to protect their molars from cavities. Your general dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can apply dental sealants to your child’s teeth to lower their risk of getting cavities. Read on to learn more about the benefits of sealants.

What are dental sealants?

A sealant is a coating that your Los Gatos family dentist applies to the back teeth as an additional barrier against the bacteria and food particles that lead to tooth decay. The plastics used to make a sealant are non-toxic and BPA-free. Your dentist or dental hygienist applies the liquid plastic coating onto the chewing surface of the tooth or teeth being treated. To complete the procedure, the sealant is hardened in place under a special curing light.

Who should get sealants?

Sealants typically are recommended for children who have permanent molars and that are still learning how to brush their teeth. It’s best to have sealants applied to your child’s teeth as soon as their adult molars erupt so that the teeth are remain cavity-free. Adults may benefit from sealants as well, as long as the tooth hasn’t been subjected to any decay, and does not already have an existing restoration. Speak with our Scotts Valley general dentists to see if you could benefit from sealants.

The Benefits of Sealants

The Los Gatos family dentists Drs. Max and Ariana Ebrahimian want to keep your teeth looking healthy and beautiful. Sealants are one of the many options as part of our program of preventive care.

Let’s take a deeper look at the advantages of receiving sealants:

  • Long Lasting: A sealant can continue to protect the tooth for up to 10 years. You can extend the lifespan of any sealant with a good regimen of dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, combined with visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. Sealants that have become loose or fallen out can be replaced at your child’s next dental visit.
  • Protection: A sealant is a barrier against dental caries (the clinical term for tooth decay) or the erosion of your tooth enamel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite recent studies that found sealants could prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in school-age children. This accounts for many hours of missed school and learning opportunities for children! Protect your child’s teeth by asking your dentist about sealants today.

Dental Sealants in Scotts Valley

Find out if you or your child could benefit from sealants by contacting Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry. If you’re located in the areas of Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, and Los Gatos, California, learn more about sealants or any aspect of our program of preventive care by calling (831) 438-4411 to schedule your consultation.