What Does Sealant Do?

premier • Jan 06, 2020

Sealant is a term heard in association with dentistry. Sealant is a standard dental tool used in children and even adults. Here we will explain what sealant is, what it does, and why it may be suggested for your teeth.

Sealant

According to WebMD , sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Sealant is on the back teeth, also called pre-molars and molars. The purpose of sealant is to protect your teeth from decaying. It is natural for people to form plaque on their teeth due to the things they eat and drink. If there is a lacking of flossing or brushing, plaque can turn into tartar. Tartar is the slimy film that forms on your teeth and can only be removed by dental professionals. No amount of brushing your teeth can decrease the presence of already established tartar. If tartar goes untreated, it can lead to painful dental issues.

Why Is It Used?

Sealant is a tool that dentists can provide patients that help prevent plaque and tartar. Since sealant is a coating painted on teeth, it can block the small cracks in your back teeth. Food cannot find it’s way into grooves if the teeth are fully sealed. Not everyone is a great candidate for sealant. The majority of patients that are recommended sealant are children and teens. This does not mean that adults can’t get their teeth sealed as well. WebMD says that sealant can protect children’s teeth when they are still growing in. Children and teens are most cavity-prone during the ages of 6 to 14. Sealant will help keep cavities at bay.

A sealant will need to be applied either by a dental hygienist or dentist. This is an effortless installation that requires no anesthesia. The sealant will be painted on to the specific tooth or teeth and only take minutes to dry. Sealants can last up to 10 years but may require upkeep in between. It is essential to visit your dentist at least once or twice a year so they can check on your teeth. Not only that, but your sealant will last longer with proper up-keep. This means making sure you brush your teeth and check-in with your dentist.

For more information on sealant and other general dentistry questions, visit our website online here. At South Holston Dental, we pride ourselves on the restoration and enhancing of your natural smile. We provide individualized treatment options and services that cater to your specific needs. We not only specialize in general dentistry, but preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and rehabilitation dentistry. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or meeting our dentists, please call us at (276) 466-9800. Let us enhance your beautiful smile today!

Protect Your Smile With Your Diet

By premier • 05 Mar, 2024
Many people think all they are doing to care for their teeth is enough, when in reality, it may be just the tip of the iceberg. There are more ways than one to ensure your teeth are properly cared for. Aside from brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits, your diet can greatly impact your oral […] The post Protect Your Smile With Your Diet appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Smile! Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth

By premier • 14 Aug, 2023
Putting a smile on your face is a great way to lift your spirits. However, many people are self-conscious about flashing those pearly whites when they’re not exactly white. If this sounds like you, teeth whitening may be the thing for you! While teeth whitening is seen by many as a cosmetic procedure, you’ll be surprised […] The post Smile! Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Importance Of Changing Your Toothbrush

By premier • 10 Aug, 2023
You use your toothbrush twice a day, seven days a week. That means it gets a whole lot of use. It’s essential to change your toothbrush because of this. Here’s why! Bacteria According to OnHealth, your toothbrush is home to millions of bacteria like e. Coli and Staph. When you put into perspective how many […] The post Importance Of Changing Your Toothbrush appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Treatment For Tooth Sensitivity

By premier • 03 Aug, 2023
If you have ever experienced discomfort or pain after biting ice cream or drinking hot coffee, you probably have sensitive teeth. Pain resulting from eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cavity, but in most cases, it is tooth sensitivity. This condition may affect several teeth or all your teeth. Here […] The post Treatment For Tooth Sensitivity appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Senior Dental Care

By Social Media • 21 Jun, 2023
Maintaining Healthy Smiles in Later Years

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-being

By Social Media • 07 Jun, 2023
Taking Care of Your Whole Body by Starting with Your Teeth!

The Proper Way to Brush Your Teeth

24 Apr, 2023
Tips and Tricks to keep your pearly whites, pearly white!

Children And Their Dental Care

21 Apr, 2023
It’s important to start building healthy habits with your children at a young age. Your child should visit the doctor at least once a year, but did you know they should do the same with their dentist? Your child’s oral care can have a great impact on their overall health. So how can you start a healthy dental care routine with your children?

Why Regular Dentist Visits are Important

17 Apr, 2023
In this blog post, we will discuss why regular dental visits are essential and how they can benefit your patients.

Things That Affect Your Smile

10 Apr, 2023
One way to care for your teeth is knowing what will affect them. Different things like food and drinks can alter your smile. It is important to know how to care for your teeth to prevent any damage from being done. Here are a few different foods and drinks that affect the health of your smile.
More Posts
Share by: