Dental sealants are thin pieces of plastic material that are coated onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealing process is typically fast and painless, and sealants offer much-needed protection to the most vulnerable teeth in your mouth. Larry G. Hubbard, DDS, is a Statesboro, GA, dentist who provides a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry treatments, including sealants, crowns, dentures, and tooth extractions. Below, he discusses three ways in which dental sealants help to protect your teeth.

3 Ways Dental Sealants Offer Protection

1.  Avoid Tooth Decay

Food and bacteria promote tooth decay, which is the primary cause of cavities. Tooth decay can lead to serious dental health concerns and can be a contributing factor in infections, gastrointestinal issues, and even heart disease. Given the complications that can result from tooth decay, the protection sealants provide is essential to a healthier mouth, and, as a result, a healthier life.

2. Safeguard New Teeth

Dentists advise parents to have their children's permanent molars sealed as soon as those teeth come in. The molars are crucial to properly chew and break down food, so they will be susceptible to damage from an early age. The first molars typically come in between the ages of five and seven, and the second molars usually come in between the ages of 11 and 14.

3. Prevent Complex Dental Procedures

Because of dental sealants' protective capabilities, they allow you to prevent the need for more complex and stressful procedures down the road. A healthy mouth full of strong, sealed teeth will help ensure a smooth dental visit and a clean bill of oral health. And averting the need for involved dental procedures later on also protects your wallet.

Dental sealants are an effective, affordable way to make sure your teeth are secure and strong for years to come; let Dr. Hubbard and his team help you find the quality oral health solutions you need. Contact Larry G. Hubbard, DDS, today to schedule an appointment with a trusted local dentist. You can reach his office by calling (912) 764-9891 or visiting them on Facebook or Twitter. For more information on their services, visit their website.