Dental Sealants
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Tooth sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay. They are especially recommended as part of children’s dental care, as newly erupted permanent teeth are most vulnerable to cavities. Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth and hold up well under the force of normal chewing.
Who Should Consider Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent molars erupt. The deep grooves in these back teeth make them more vulnerable to plaque build up and decay.
Adults can also benefit from sealants if they have deep fissures in their molars and no existing fillings in those teeth. During your examination, your dentist will assess whether sealants are suitable for you or your child.
How to Care for Your Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are low maintenance by nature, but taking a few simple steps to look after them can significantly extend their lifespan and help them continue protecting your teeth for as long as possible. Here is what you need to know.
Maintain a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
Sealants work best when combined with good daily oral hygiene habits. Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. While sealants protect the grooves of the back teeth, they do not cover every surface, so thorough brushing and flossing remain essential.
Be Mindful of What You Eat and Chew
Certain foods and habits can cause sealants to wear down or dislodge more quickly than expected. To protect your sealants and extend their life:
- Avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice, hard lollies, and crusty bread, which can chip or crack the sealant material.
- Limit sticky or chewy foods such as toffee, caramel, and chewing gum, as these can pull at the sealant and cause it to lift away from the tooth surface.
- Try not to use your teeth as tools to open packaging or bite fingernails, as this places unnecessary stress on the sealants.
Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
Sealants should be checked at every routine dental visit to ensure they remain intact, well-bonded, and continuing to provide effective protection. Over time, sealants can wear down due to normal chewing forces, and small chips or gaps can develop without causing any noticeable symptoms. Your dentist can identify these early and reapply the sealant where needed before any decay has a chance to take hold.
What Your Dentist Will Check During Each Visit
- Whether the sealant is fully intact and securely bonded to the tooth surface
- Any areas of wear, chipping, or lifting that may compromise protection
- Whether the sealed teeth remain free from decay underneath the sealant
- Whether reapplication is needed to restore full coverage
Avoid Abrasive Dental Products
Certain toothpastes and whitening products contain abrasive ingredients that can gradually wear down the sealant surface over time. Where possible, opt for a gentle, non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, and check with your dentist before using any whitening or specialised dental products if you or your child have sealants in place.
Respond Promptly If a Sealant Is Lost or Damaged
As noted in the FAQs below, sealants can occasionally fall out or chip. If you notice that a sealant feels different, has a rough edge, or appears to be missing, contact our Lane Cove practice on (02) 8294 0090 as soon as possible. A tooth that has lost its sealant is no longer protected against decay in that area and should be resealed promptly to prevent cavities from forming.
FAQs
Are dental sealants noticeable?
Dental sealants are designed to be as modest as possible. They are typically made from clear or tooth-coloured resin, which allows them to blend seamlessly with the natural colour of your teeth. This means they are not easily noticeable when you smile or speak, making them an aesthetically pleasing option for cavity prevention.
How long does a seal last in teeth?
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. They need to be checked regularly during dental visits to ensure they are intact and effective. Over time, sealants can wear down due to normal chewing and may require reapplication. The longevity of dental sealants largely depends on the individual’s oral habits and dental health.
Do dental sealants fall out?
While dental sealants are designed to be durable, they can occasionally fall out. This can happen due to wear and tear, chewing on hard foods, or improper application. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary. Proper oral hygiene can also help prolong their effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of them falling out. For any inquiries, get in touch with our experienced dental practitioners on (02) 9418 6102.