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What are dental sealants?
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| A
dental sealant (also called a pit and fissure sealant) is a plastic,
professionally-applied material that is put on the chewing surfaces
of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants provide a physical barrier
so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures
on the chewing surfaces of teeth. |
Why should my child get dental sealants?
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| Since
the early 1970s, childhood dental caries on smooth tooth surfaces
(those without pits and fissures) has declined markedly because
of widespread exposure to fluorides. By 1986-1987, approximately
90 percent of the decay in children’s teeth occurred in tooth
surfaces with pits and fissures, and almost two-thirds were found
on the chewing surfaces alone. Dental sealants have been shown to
prevent decay on tooth surfaces with pits and fissures. Sealants
have been approved for use for many years and are recommended by
professional health associations and public health agencies.
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When should my child get dental sealants?
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| First
permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about age 6 years. Placing
sealants on these teeth shortly after they erupt protects them from
developing caries in areas of the teeth where food and bacteria
collect. If sealants were applied routinely to susceptible tooth
surfaces in conjunction with the appropriate use of fluoride, most
tooth decay in children could be prevented. |
| Second
permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about age 12 years. Pit
and fissure surfaces of these teeth are as susceptible to dental
caries as the first permanent molars of younger children. Therefore,
young teens need to receive dental sealants shortly after the eruption
of their second permanent molars. |
Are dental sealants just for kids?
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| The
potential to develop pit and fissure decay begins early in life,
so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But some adults
at high risk of decay can benefit from sealants as well. Your dentist
can tell you if you would benefit from dental sealants.
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Do dental sealants replace fluoride?
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| No.
Fluorides, such as those used in community water, toothpaste, gels,
varnish, and mouth rinse also help to prevent decay. Fluoride works
best on the smooth surfaces of teeth. The chewing surfaces on the
back teeth, however, have tiny grooves where decay often begins.
Sealants keep cavity-causing bacteria out of the grooves by covering
them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together
to prevent tooth decay. |
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