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Ensure Your Dental Sealants Last
Dental sealants play a crucial role in preserving a healthy smile by acting as a protective barrier against tooth decay. These thin plastic coatings can significantly enhance your dental health. But how can you maximize their lifespan and effectiveness? Our North East, PA, dentist has crafted a comprehensive dental sealant aftercare guide to help ensure they remain effective for as long as possible.
If you have any inquiries or wish to schedule an appointment, contact our North East dental office at (814) 725-4700 to begin your journey to better oral health.
Dental Sealant Care
Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining strong and healthy dental sealants and ensuring your teeth remain healthy involves practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing to remove food particles and plaque. These practices help your sealants continue to protect your teeth from decay. Additionally, it’s essential to visit our dentist or dental hygienist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.
These visits allow our dentist to evaluate the condition of your sealants and address any untreated decay or dental fillings, ensuring your teeth stay in excellent condition and cavity-free.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Selecting the appropriate toothpaste is crucial for prolonging the life of your dental sealants. Opt for a non-abrasive toothpaste that cleans your teeth gently without harming the sealant material. It’s advisable to avoid fluoride toothpaste, as it may affect the sealants’ ability to protect your teeth effectively.
A recommended toothpaste for those with dental sealants is Arm & Hammer Advance White. It is less abrasive than other options, like Colgate’s Optic White, and helps maintain tooth enamel. Using the right toothpaste can enhance the longevity of your dental sealants’ protective benefits.
Foods and Habits to Avoid With Sealants
Hard and Sticky Foods
Hard and sticky foods pose a threat to dental sealants, as they can cause damage or even break the sealant material, reducing its ability to protect your teeth from decay.
Some foods to steer clear of include:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Chewing gum
- Toffee
- Bubble gum
- Starburst
It’s essential to practice moderation. You don’t have to completely eliminate these foods from your diet, but be aware of their potential impact on your dental sealants. By limiting your consumption of hard and sticky foods, you can help maintain the durability and effectiveness of your sealants.
Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects like ice or pens can harm your dental sealants and oral health. Such habits may lead to chips, cracks, or other damage to the sealant material, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues on the chewing surfaces.
Regular Dental Checkups
Monitoring Sealant Longevity
While dental sealants are crafted to endure for a long time, they will eventually need replacement as the sealant material wears down. During your regular dental visits, our dentist will assess the condition of your dental sealants to determine if they need to be replaced to continue protecting your teeth from decay.
Addressing Untreated Decay or Fillings
At each dental checkup, our dentist will also examine your back teeth, including permanent molars, for any untreated decay or existing fillings. If ignored, these issues can undermine your oral health and the effectiveness of your dental sealants.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatments for dental filling or untreated decay may involve fillings, crowns, or root canals. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the protective function of your dental sealants, ensuring you keep a healthy, radiant smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sealants need to be replaced?
Dental sealants typically last around five years, requiring regular replacement. They are not suitable for teeth with existing decay or fillings. Improper application can lead to bacterial buildup and cavities, so sealants must be applied correctly.
Are dental sealants only for children?
Dental sealants aren’t exclusive to children; they can be advantageous for both adults and children depending on their dental needs.
Schedule an Appointment with Our North East Dentist Today
Proper care can extend the life of dental sealants to about five years, effectively aiding in cavity prevention. If you or your child are considering tooth sealants, reach out to our North East dentist at (814) 725-4700 to book your appointment.
We’re eager to help you achieve a healthy, radiant smile. Our dental services are proudly available to patients in North East, Erie, Ripley, Findley Lake, and neighboring areas.