While proper brushing and flossing habits are your first line of defense against tooth decay, dental sealants are an excellent extra step toward protecting your teeth from cavities. According to the preventative dentistry specialists at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, sealants can reduce tooth decay in molars by up to 80%, but most people don’t understand how they work. The dentists at this Pulaski County practice will share the basics of this dental care service.

Dental Sealants Explained

Dental sealants are made of nontoxic, liquid plastic. They are painted onto teeth and cured with a UV light that makes them harden into a shell. While visible to the naked eye only during a close inspection, they form a coating over tooth enamel that fills small indentations and grooves where food particles and bacteria otherwise would collect and potentially cause tooth decay and cavities. By limiting tooth decay, sealants help you avoid fillings and tooth extractions.

Almost anyone can benefit from dental sealants. Children can have them applied as soon as they have their first molars, and this preventative dentistry measure works equally well for adults. The application is virtually free of discomfort and takes no longer than a typical dental visit.

Downsides of Dental Sealants

Some varieties of dental sealants are made with bisphenol A (BPA), which some people worry could have adverse health effects. However, the research into the impact of BPA exposure on humans is not conclusive.

Sealants last a long time but not forever, and they usually need to be re-applied every 10 years. Your dentist will check the seals during your regular teeth cleanings to see if they’re intact.

If you want extra protection for your teeth, speak with the experts at Tohill Dentistry about sealants. Their dentists can recommend an oral hygiene and care plan based on your unique situation. Call (606) 679-4450 to schedule an appointment and visit them online to learn more about their services.