The teeth of children and teenagers can be protected from decay with dental sealants. Dental sealants are used on back teeth, which are more susceptible to decay.
A thin plastic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Bacteria and food particles are kept out. The plastic coating is clear, so the sealant is almost invisible.
The best time to apply the sealant is after permanent molars have erupted. A light may be shined on the sealant to harden it. Sealants usually last five to ten years. They can prevent cavities, the need for filling them, and the drilling that is often needed to prepare teeth for filling, which actually weakens them.
At times, sealants are used for adults who frequently get cavities in molar teeth, or who have deep grooves in their teeth that are susceptible to cavities.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.