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Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities?

Children between the ages of 6 and 11 are three times more likely to suffer from molar cavities if they don’t have dental sealants. This treatment is also effective for teenagers and even adults whose teeth are free from cavities. Baby teeth with deep depressions can also suffer from tooth decay, causing the child to lose a tooth early. It is especially important to avoid tooth decay in children, as one cavity often leads to another. For this reason, dental sealants Toronto, Ontario, are available for kids even before they have their permanent teeth.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin coating applied to the biting surface of the back teeth. The sealant seeps into the groves of the teeth, forming a shield. This protects areas difficult to access through brushing. The process of applying dental sealants Toronto, Ontario, is simple. You can receive the treatment in a regular dentist visit, as it only takes a few minutes. Your dentist will start by preparing your teeth with a thorough cleaning and will then dry your teeth with cotton or another absorbent material. If your teeth are particularly smooth, your dentist will also add an etching solution to help the sealant bond. Finally, the dentist will paint the enamel of your teeth with sealant. To speed up the bonding, he or she may use a specialcuring light.

Why Get Dental Sealants?

Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, problems eating and speaking, and infection. Dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities in the back teeth, which is where almost all cavities occur. They are an effective way to protect your teeth from decay for up to 10 years. Your dentist will check the condition of the sealants during regular checkups and repair any showing signs of wear.

Properly aligned teeth not only give you a beautiful smile, but they can significantly improve your overall dental health.

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