Posted

Prevention is crucial to your oral health because once a problem starts, it will continue to worsen until it is treated. Unlike other parts of your body, if your teeth are damaged, they cannot regenerate themselves. Every step you can take to prevent a problem from originating in your mouth is a step towards protecting your smile’s health. Dental sealants are not a free pass to stop your other preventive steps, but rather they provide an extra layer of protection. Dental sealants act like armor to protect your teeth against harmful bacteria. 

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin layers of bio-compatible acrylic that your dentist can paint directly onto the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially molars. The sealants can provide a barrier between plaque and your teeth, which can help to reduce the risk of acidic attacks that lead to tooth decay and cavities. When oral bacteria gather on the surfaces of teeth, they form a sticky bio-film known as plaque that clings to teeth and contains bacteria. As the bacterial microbes feed on nutrients, they release harmful substances, like acids, that attack tooth enamel. The sealants prevent the acidic attacks from reaching the enamel.

Sealants Over Time

When teeth are subjected to bacterial acid attacks, the enamel can become compromised and begin to erode. Once the enamel erodes enough to allow access to the inner tooth, oral bacteria will be able to infect the tooth. Sealants can slow the process of enamel erosion by making it harder for oral bacteria to gather on the teeth’s chewing surfaces. Dental sealants are biodegradable and will disappear on their own. Regular checkups allow your dentist to evaluate if the sealants have faded away and need to be reapplied. Sealants typically last for 5 to 10 years, but it depends on the care of your teeth. Poor oral hygiene, acidic sweet treats, and not regularly visiting your dentist can all lead to a faster degradation of the sealants.

Dental sealants can protect child and adult smiles

Protect your smile with dental sealants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, TX, call 817-473-6227. We proudly welcome patients from Mansfield, TX and the surrounding areas, including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.