Over the years in the dental field, experts have found one of the most effective weapons in the fight against tooth decay, dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin, clear or white plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing areas of the back teeth. This where you have often have fissures and grooves. Even for those who are diligent in your dental hygiene with brushing, flossing and keeping regular dental visits with your dental team at Lynn Dental Care are not always enough.

These actions are geared toward preventing tooth decay. However the bristles of the toothbrush just skim the surface of the teeth and are not able to clean out the fissures and pit of the molars. Dental grooves and fissures that are anatomically inherent to most back teeth are often prone to develop dental decay. Dental decay is created when plaque is left to accumulate on the tooth surface and acted upon by bacteria. During your exam and consultation here at Lynn Dental Care, we will show you those areas of concern in your mouth.

The bacterial action results in the creation of acid which causes dental degradation, thus cavities or worse happen. Dental sealants can provide almost prevent decay 100% by providing a barrier between the tooth’s surface, the food particles and the acid forming bacteria. At Lynn Dental Care, we educate all our patients to know that decay prevention is a crucial factor in the maintenance of good oral health.

Still, many people wonder whether or not a dental sealant is a good idea for them. When it comes to your teeth, Lynn Dental Care professionals know that you never can be too careful. We use them every single day for chewing and eating our food. Not only that, when problems start to form in your teeth they can become extremely painful. One way that you can help to prevent tooth decay and further issues is to invest in some dental sealants.
Many people are concerned if dental sealants are visible to others. You can feel them in your mouth, bus since sealants come in different shades such as clear, white, slightly tinted, their existence can be seen for others only if they closely observe your mouth. They cannot be seen while talking or smiling. Your dental team at Lynn Dental Care will match the sealants in your mouth as close to the natural color your teeth as possible.

Dental sealants are not meant to replace fluorides though, they are meant to work in conjunction with each other in preventing tooth decay. Sealants prevent accumulation of germs and food particles out of the grooves. Fluoride makes your teeth strong. Nor are dental sealants a replacement for fillings. Sealants are a preventive process whereas fillings are the treatment after your tooth is damaged because of tooth decay.

As with anything, there are risks with dental sealants. The materials that sealants are made of contain BPA – Bisphenol A – and this is an endocrine disruptor, which has been linked to negative health effects. FDA is also concerned about its exposure to fetuses, children and infants. The dental team at Lynn Dental Care always rinse and wipe out any residue from dental sealants so that are safe on the kids we treat and with expectant mothers, we use dental sealant with caution as well. After all, we not only want our current patients at Lynn Dental Care to be safe and healthy, but the future dental patients as well!