SEALANTS

The best way to stop getting cavities is by brushing and flossing regularly.  To be more direct it is recommended to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day.  This will reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth and reduce the rate of decay.  This has always been and always will be the best way to have a healthy mouth and smile.  Over time and by doing research other methods have been found to increase the strength and protect our teeth from bacteria and decay.  There are other ways to do this but I wanted to mention three main ones here.  The first is what Dr. Dave mentioned in his last post.  Having regular fluoride treatments to build up and strengthen the enamel.  This makes your teeth more cavity resistant.  The second is eating less food with simple sugars, like candy, sweets, sports drinks, etc.  Even if your teeth are strong, if there is more sugar in and around your teeth, you will get more cavities.  If you take away the food for the bacteria there won't be as many bacteria to eat your teeth.  The third way is what I wanted to talk about, Sealants.

Tooth Anatomy

80-90% of Cavities on kids ages 6-19 are on the top, or the occlusal surface of the teeth.  This is because of the deep valleys or the grooves that make up this portion of the tooth.  Brushing your teeth is vital for its health, but these grooves are so deep and narrow that the bristles are too wide to get to the bottom of these grooves.  It is like trying to clean your toilet with a gym floor dust broom.  There is no way to get down to the deepest points and clean out the gunk. 

What is a sealant?

To protect these grooves, that are not cleanable, a filling like material is bonded into them.  This is what a sealant is.  It has been shown to reduce cavities up to 90%, if regular appointments are kept including 

maintenance of the sealant.    

Procedure

Sealants do not require a shot and can be done in less than 5 minutes.  The top portion of the tooth, including the grooves are cleaned.  The grooves are then conditioned with a blue gel, called an etch.  The sealant material is then placed in the grooves and cured, or hardened, with UV light.  This simple procedure can literally save your teeth. 

Conclusion

Used in combination with regular fluoride therapy, your teeth will be protected and strengthened.  I invite you to learn more.  If you and especially your children have not had sealants placed, come in and ask us about our sealants.  We want to save your teeth!

Dr. Mark T. Barry, DDS