Your family dentist knows that keeping back teeth clean can be hard. Dental sealants act as a effective shield against cavities.
As a family dentist in Reynoldsburg Ohio, I know that sometimes effectively brushing those teeth in the very back – the premolars and molars – can be a challenge. And as a result, tooth decay occurs most commonly in this area.
Those particular teeth are hard workers, as they do most of the chewing. They’re designed just for that, which is why you have grooves in those teeth. Those grooves – in dental-speak known as pits and fissures – help you to grind the food that you eat.
Obviously, regular brushing and flossing helps to remove the food and bacteria that could do damage to your tooth enamel. But even those who are most diligent about their teeth may find it difficult to adequately clean the pits and fissures in the back. This is simply because your toothbrush bristles can’t reach far enough into the grooves to remove all the food, plaque and bacteria that may be stuck there.
So if it’s almost impossible to remove all the food and plaque from the grooves, what’s one to do? You could consider dental sealants, which are commonly applied to back teeth. The sealant is a material that is applied to the grooves, thus guarding those pits and fissures against impacted plaque and food.
Sealants can withstand quite a bit of wear, but after a few years they may need to be reapplied. However, sealants are a good investment, as getting them now is a preventive measure that may save you time and money (not to mention pain) in the long run.
Sealants are beneficial for all ages – adults, children and teenagers. After all, we all can get cavities! So if you don’t already have sealants, be sure to ask your family dentist about this very worthwhile option.
If you don’t have a family dentist but are seeking one in the Reynoldsburg or Columbus area, we’re located right in your backyard and would be pleased to advise you about sealants or any other dental issue. The first consultation is free, so take advantage of it and schedule today!