One of the most common diseases that harm young people’s oral health is cavities. They can result in discomfort, infection, and difficulty speaking and swallowing if left untreated. Children may therefore have trouble learning and concentrating. Getting dental sealants near you is one of the most efficient yet underused treatments for preventing caries in children’s teeth.
Thin gel coverings are used as tooth sealants. Sealants shield chewing areas from cavities by coating them with a thin barrier that keeps out food particles, germs, and bacteria; they are typically applied to back teeth.
One of the first questions a parent might have is how long dental sealants last after being applied. Usually, several additional inquiries about tooth sealants will come after that. Making the best decisions for your child can be aided by this knowledge.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
The majority of dental sealants are intended to last for more than 10 years, but how long one of your teeth will be protected by a dental sealant depends on a variety of factors, including your oral hygiene routine, diet, and the brand of sealant used.
Fortunately, ensuring that your dental sealants in North Edmonton last as long as possible is fairly simple. Here are a few straightforward actions you can take to extend the effectiveness of tooth sealant:
1. Brush Twice Daily
The most crucial component of your everyday oral hygiene regimen is regular brushing. Food crumbs that adhere to your teeth after eating can be removed with a toothbrush. These particles will eventually turn into acids if they stay on your teeth for an extended amount of time, thanks to oral bacteria. These acids will dissolve the enamel on your teeth and any tooth sealants.
2. Use a Quality Mouthwash
Your daily oral hygiene regimen should include using an antibacterial mouthwash. It aids in lowering oral bacteria that can harm your teeth and any dental sealants applied to them by converting sugars and food particles into acids.
3. Avoid Sugary Items
The worst food substance you can consume for your teeth is sugar, which is also terrible for dental adhesives. The bacteria in your mouth rapidly transform foods and beverages with high sugar contents into acids when you consume them. One of your diet’s main sources of sugar is desserts, sodas, and confectionery. Remember to clean your teeth afterward if you absolutely must indulge in something sweet.
4. Avoid Chewing on Hard Substances
Many individuals frequently chew on objects they shouldn’t. Whether you have dental sealant or not, that isn’t good for the condition of your teeth. Make a sincere effort to stop any bad habits you may have, such as biting your nails or chewing on ice right away. When a dental sealant is applied, anything harmful to your teeth gets even worse for them.
Tips For Maximizing The Lifespan Of Sealants
Even though tooth sealants naturally deteriorate with time, it’s crucial to take care of them to extend their lifespan. Some foods and beverages, as well as teeth grinding, can damage your sealants and dental enamel. According to our dentist in North Edmonton, here’s how to extend the lifespan of your coatings.
You or your child must restrict or completely avoid certain foods and beverages while wearing sealants, including:
- Sticky sweets like gummies, toffee, caramel, and other types of candies could pull sealants away from teeth.
- Hard candies and other hard foods that put too much strain on the sealants when you bite down can harm them.
- Acidic meals and beverages such as citrus fruits, lemonade, and coffee can all hasten the deterioration of sealants.
Altering your nutrition is advantageous for the health of your teeth as well as for your sealants. Acidic and sugary foods and beverages also erode enamel, raising your risk of tooth decay and undermining the purpose of sealants.
After applying a tooth sealant, some dentists advise patients to avoid eating hard foods like ice and hard candies because they can cause the sealant to crack. The same goes for sticky foods, like caramels and gummy candies, as they can adhere to sealant and pull it off.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace a Sealant:
Here are some of the indicators that a sealant may need to be replaced, such as:
- Visible wear or damage.
- Difficulty cleaning the tooth.
- Recurrent decay or cavities.
Talk to Our Dentist in North Edmonton Today
Are dental sealants a viable option for you? Could this cavity-prevention method help your child? Ask our dentist near you about dental sealants at your next appointment to learn more about the procedure’s operation and whether it’s a good match for your teeth.
If you need a skilled, dependable, and friendly staff here at Beverly Height Dental utilizes cutting-edge technology, our dentist will provide you with the individualized care you require. Call immediately or submit an online appointment request to booking your initial appointment for exceptional and thorough dental care. We anticipate hearing from you!