Why Adults Should Ask About Getting Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are an excellent way to protect your teeth from decay, particularly your back teeth that are instrumental in chewing. Sealants are most commonly placed in children and teenagers since molars are especially prone to cavities and decay when they first start to come in. However, you are never too old to develop cavities, so many adults should consider getting dental sealants too.

How Do Sealants Work?

Our teeth have grooves in them, where bits of food, bacteria, and plaque can get trapped and build up. These grooves are too narrow for the bristles of a toothbrush to reach, so it is easy for decay to start there and lead to cavities. Dental sealants are resin barriers that fit over the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. The sealant material molds to the grooves of your teeth, protecting your enamel by sealing out food, plaque, and bacteria. Sealants are applied easily during a routine visit to our office. They are clear and cannot be noticed by others, and they usually last several years before needing to be reapplied.

Why Should Adults Get Dental Sealants?

Just because cavities are most common between the ages of six and fourteen does not mean that adults are immune to developing them. You are at risk for developing cavities at any age, especially if you neglect your oral hygiene or consume a lot of sugary foods and drinks. Sealants can be used as a preventative measure even if you do not have any existing cavities or decay. Sealants can also be placed on adult molars that already have mild decay, preventing further decay and cavities from forming. Dental sealants cannot be placed on teeth that already contain fillings. If you are interested in getting dental sealants as an adult, contact our office to learn more.