Everyone knows good dental hygiene is important to keep your teeth clean. However, removing tiny food particles from the small grooves in your teeth can become challenging. Dental sealants are the perfect way to prevent food debris and bacteria from settling in the nooks and crannies of your teeth.
That being said, not everyone is a good candidate for dental sealants. If you are considering getting sealants, it is important that you learn about good candidacy and determine whether you offer one. You can consult with your dentist in Union City, GA, and ask them any questions that you may have regarding the procedure.
Who is a candidate for dental sealants?
While dental sealants are often applied on children’s and adolescents’ teeth, adults and people of all ages can benefit from them. Dental sealants act as a barrier that provides protection from bacteria, decay, and irreversible problems that can occur to a smile. If you get dental sealants, it is important to continue following a good oral hygiene regime to keep your dental sealants going for a long time.
Dental sealants may be right for you or your child if the following conditions apply:
- Your child has new or permanent molars that require protection.
- You are prone to cavities.
- You have molars with deep grooves that easily collect food and bacteria.
- You want to avoid getting tooth fillings or other extensive treatments.
- You want to save money in the long run by taking preventative measures to protect your teeth.
How often should dental sealants be replaced?
Dental sealants usually last for a few years. It is important to keep visiting your dentist for regular check-ups to determine the best time to reapply sealants. Your dentist may recommend getting sealants early in childhood and continue in adulthood days, depending on your specific needs.
Children and teenagers are excellent candidates for dental sealants since they have a higher risk of food getting stuck in the grooves of their teeth. Parents should consider dental sealants for their children as soon as their permanent molars pop out. Children as young as six years old can get sealants.
Some babies have deeper grooves than others, where food can get stuck easily. In this case, sealants may be recommended for baby teeth, too. The protection and development of baby teeth are important for the correct spacing of permanent teeth.
If you are considering getting dental sealants or have questions about the procedure, visit a dentist today.
