Dental Sealants and Why They Might Be Right for You

Ever wish you had a magic shield for your teeth to keep cavities at bay? Dental sealants are as close as it gets! Think of them as a tiny raincoat for your teeth, adding an extra layer of defence against decay. If you've heard of sealants but aren't quite sure if they're right for you or your family, here's a friendly guide from your Teddington dentists to help you decide.

Book your next dental appointment and our Church Road Dental Care team are happy to discuss whether dental sealants are right for you. 

What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?

Church Road Dental's Dr Ben Griffith explains that dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that's painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). Made from a safe plastic resin, these sealants bond to the grooves and pits of your teeth, creating a smooth surface that's easier to keep clean.

Sealants work by blocking out food particles and bacteria that like to settle in those hard-to-reach areas, which can be a real challenge to clean thoroughly with brushing alone. They've been shown to reduce the risk of cavities in the back teeth significantly, making them a great option for many people.

Who Should Consider Getting Dental Sealants?

While sealants are often recommended for children and teenagers, Dr Griffith shares that people of all ages can benefit from them. Here's a closer look at who might be an ideal candidate:

1. Children and Teenagers: As soon as a child's first permanent molars come in (usually around ages 6-7), sealants can be applied to protect those teeth. Second molars come in around age 12, and getting sealants on them as well can protect these teeth through the cavity-prone years.
2. Adults with Healthy Molars: If you're an adult who hasn't had many cavities and wants to keep it that way, sealants could be a good preventative option. Even if you're past your teens, it's never too late to add a bit of extra protection.
3. People at Higher Risk of Tooth Decay: If you've had issues with cavities in the past or if certain areas in your mouth are harder to clean, sealants might be especially beneficial. Our Church Road dentists can advise if you're in this category and if you might benefit from the extra layer of protection.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Getting sealants is a quick and painless process that can be done in a single visit to our Dental practice in Teddington. Here's how it works:

1. Cleaning and Preparation: The dentist will first clean the tooth thoroughly to ensure no plaque or food debris is left in the grooves.
2. Application: A special gel is applied to the tooth's surface to help the sealant bond securely. The sealant material is then painted onto the tooth.
3. Curing: A blue curing light is used to harden the sealant, and that's it - you're good to go! The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

• Protection Against Cavities: Sealants reduce the risk of cavities by acting as a shield against bacteria and food particles.
• Easy to Apply and Long-Lasting: Sealants can last for many years with proper care and may only need occasional check-ups to ensure they're in good shape.
• Safe and Comfortable: Dental sealants are safe for children and adults, and you won't feel them on your teeth once they're applied.

Should You Get Dental Sealants?

If you're looking for an easy way to add some extra cavity protection, dental sealants are definitely worth considering. They're particularly helpful for those tricky back teeth that tend to gather food particles and are a fantastic preventative step to keep your smile healthy in the long run.

Chat with your dentist at Church Road Dental Care Centre to see if dental sealants are right for you or your children. With just one simple application, you'll have a new reason to smile, knowing your teeth are protected from cavities - to book your next check-up or get registered, give us a call.