Tracy Dentist - Can Tooth Sealant Prevent Cavities? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Prevention is always better than cure. It is physically, emotionally, mentally and financially better to deal with the disease process before it hits the body, rather than to painstakingly address something that has already had some effects on the body. This is true with man’s general health and this is true in terms of man’s dental health. Dental caries is the most common dental problem that a person can suffer from and even if a patient tries his best to prevent the disease process from causing havoc in the mouth, dental caries can develop, especially on the deep grooves or fissures of the teeth.

The dental sealant is a plastic material that can be applied on the occlusal or biting surface of the tooth or teeth, so that food particles do not have a place to settle in the mouth, and cause dental decay. The dental sealant is applied much like a nail varnish or polish is put on the fingernails; a small amount of adhesive material is first applied on the surface to dry the tooth and open its pores. This makes the teeth ready for sealant application, and with a thin layer, the sealant is allowed to flow along the surface to fill the deep grooves and fissures, before it is cured with an LED light curing device.
Once the sealant hardens on the occlusal or biting surfaces of the teeth it will function much like a raincoat, protecting the teeth from potential harm that bacteria can bring. The dental sealant covers the deep grooves, so that food particles do not collect and bacteria cannot penetrate; and as long as this “seal” is on the tooth or teeth, you do not have to worry about becoming a victim of dental decay, which is not only painful, but with the potential to cause permanent consequences such as tooth loss.

Dental caries needs three things in order for it to develop in the mouth. For dental caries to develop in the mouth, it needs sugar from food broken particles, saliva and bacteria. Saliva and bacteria cannot be controlled as they are naturally inherent in the mouth. The accumulation of food particles in the mouth are prevented by proper oral hygiene measures such as brushing, flossing and gargling with mouthwash; but to better prevent dental decay from causing bigger problems, dental sealants are applied.

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/can-tooth-sealant-prevent-cavities/
by Teeth center staff

http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com