Even the best toothbrush may not reach every part of every tooth. For example, your back teeth, also known as your molars may not always get the attention that they need. And even if you do brush your molars with care, they aren’t the easiest teeth to clean. Your back teeth have the tough job of crushing and grinding your food to make it easier to swallow and digest. To do that well, they come equipped with ridges called “cusps”. But those cusps create grooves in your teeth where plaque and bacteria can hide, out of reach of your toothbrush, and contribute to tooth decay.
One of the best ways to protect your back teeth is through the use of dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin coats of plastic that are applied to your molars to form a barrier between your tooth enamel and those substances that can cause harm. After cleaning and drying your tooth, the dentist will apply an acidic solution that will create tiny abrasions that will help the sealant adhere to your tooth. When the solution is dry, the dentist will apply the sealant, cure it with a special light or allow it to cure on its own. That seal should last for ten years,
You will still need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Dental sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of your molars. The sides of your molars and the rest of your teeth will still be vulnerable to cavities. Sealants work best the sooner they are applied. Because of that, they are typically used for young people whose molars are coming in, but older people with healthy molars, or are at risk for cavities can also benefit from them.
If you or someone in your family may benefit from dental sealants, our dentist, Dr. Jade Cherrington will be happy to see you! If you live in the Redmond, Oregon area, and would like to make an appointment at Rimrock Dental of Redmond, call 541-699-4200 today.