The biting surface of your back teeth, have a lot of texture and contours that can harbor the food particles and plaque that lead to tooth decay. Dental sealants are an inexpensive way to protect and prolong the health of the biting surface of your or your child’s back teeth.
The plastic-resin sealants painted onto the biting surface of the molars create a protective layer that blocks food particles and bacteria from gaining access to the enamel.
You need to keep in mind that the sealants are only protecting the biting surfaces of your teeth. The sides and spaces between teeth are not protected and thus are just as prone to tartar buildup and tooth decay as the rest of your teeth.
This means you will still need all exposed surfaces with a soft bristled brush. Regular flossing is also very important. Food particles and bacteria still have access to tooth enamel between teeth and near the gum line. Without flossing these can lead to plaque and tartar buildup and cause gingivitis or more serious forms of gum disease.
If you have any questions about dental sealants, please call us at 404-633-1853 to schedule an appointment.