How Do Dental Sealants Help in Tooth Decay Prevention?

September 24, 2024by Dr Adeline Wong

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where most cavities tend to form. These sealants quickly bond into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield from tooth-decaying bacteria. 

Sealants play a crucial role in tooth decay prevention by providing a thin, protective layer that prevents bacteria and food from getting stuck in the tiny grooves and pits of the teeth, which are areas particularly vulnerable to decay. This is especially important for the molars, which are harder to clean and are more susceptible to cavities. 

Dental sealants have been shown to prevent 80% of cavities for two years after application.

Are Sealants Effective in Kids and Adults?

Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and adolescents who are at a higher risk of tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that school-age children without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than those with sealants. 

But, can adults take advantage of this procedure? Yes, they can, but only if they have no cavities or dental fillings yet. This is because sealants CANNOT be applied on a tooth with decay or filling. 

An Overview of the Sealant Procedure

The sealant procedure is straightforward, painless, and can be completed in one dental visit. It involves cleaning and drying the tooth surface, preparing it with a special solution, rinsing and drying it again, and then applying the sealant material to the grooves of the tooth. The sealant is then hardened with a special light. 

The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and can provide protection for several years, although regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and reapply them if needed when they become worn down. 

Here are additional things to keep in mind about the dental sealant procedure:

  • Sealants can last for up to 5 years, and reapplication is just as straightforward and quick.
  • There’s no downtime after dental sealant application. You or your child may immediately go back to work or school.  
  • There’s no food restriction after the procedure, however, extremely hard, chewy or sticky foods can chip or dislodge your sealants. 

Get Your Dental Sealants Today

Given the significant benefits of dental sealants in cavity protection and tooth decay prevention, individuals, especially parents of young children and adolescents, are encouraged to consult with their dentists about the appropriateness of sealants for themselves or their family members. 

With the high prevalence of untreated caries and the effectiveness of sealants in preventing dental decay, taking proactive steps to apply sealants can be a wise investment in oral health.

Key Takeaways

Dental sealants offer a protective barrier against cavities, especially on the molars. It is particularly effective for children, although adults can also take advantage of its benefits so long as they don’t have existing cavities or fillings. The application process is also simple, painless, and can be done during a single dental visit.

Considering the prevalence of dental diseases in Singapore, as highlighted by the significant number of untreated caries in both deciduous and permanent teeth​​, incorporating dental sealants into children’s dentistry and overall preventive care can play a crucial role in enhancing oral health outcomes.

Ensuring that sealants are part of regular dental care can contribute significantly to cavity protection and overall dental health, aligning with the preventive care approach advocated in Singapore’s oral health strategies.

 

References:

Dental Sealants, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/dental-sealants/index.html

Sealants, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10912-sealants#procedure-details 

Help Your Child Smile for Life, https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/growing-kid-help-your-child-smile-for-life 

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Copyright 2024 by The Oral Care Centre. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2024 by The Oral Care Centre. All rights reserved.