Have you heard of dental sealants? They are a barrier to the acids which lead to decay. Your Honolulu, HI, dentist, Dr. Garrett Hayashi, recommends these protective coatings for children, teens and even adults as easy, economical and effective preventive dental treatments.
Decay is a huge problem
And, your Honolulu, HI, dentist feels we should do all we can to prevent it. The mainstays of cavity prevention are:
- A healthy diet
- Drinking water to wash teeth clean and increase saliva production
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Getting regular check-ups and dental cleanings
However, the Centers for Disease in Atlanta reports that tooth decay, or dental caries, is one of the most common chronic health issues experienced by American children. Parents, surely you welcome as much help in the battle against decay as you can muster. Here's where plastic sealants play a significant role.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants made of tooth-colored plastic resins coat and protect the deep and narrow fissures and pits located on the chewing surfaces of molars. These sites are the most prone to decay as the irregular surfaces easily collect plaque, bacteria and acid. Even the best of toothbrushers can miss these pits and grooves.
Plastic sealants fill in those surface irregularities, making them virtually impermeable. Even some adults need sealants because oral chemistry changes with time and use of certain drugs. However, the optimal time to place sealants is when molars erupt around ages six, 12 and 18.
How they work
Sealants come in liquid form. After the dentist cleans the surface and dries the tooth, he coats it with the liquid resin. He carefully allows the sealant to fill the pits and fissures completely, and then, he hardens the material with a UV light. This treatment takes 10 minutes and is completely painless; so all patients tolerate it very well.
Overall, sealants last about one year and can be reapplied as needed. Your dentist checks the integrity of dental sealants with every cleaning and check-up.
Questions about dental sealants?
Dr. Hayashi and his staff in Honolulu, HI, will be happy to answer them. Call today for a routine appointment: (808) 536-5090.