Dental Sealants: How They Work To Protect Teeth From Cavities

If you are looking for a way to protect your teeth from cavities, dental sealants may be the perfect solution for you. Sealants are a type of dental coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They work by trapping plaque and bacteria against the tooth enamel, which helps to prevent cavities from forming.

The history of dental sealants

Sealants date back to the early 20th century. In 1908, dental sealants were first used in the United States. The use of dental sealants became more widespread in the 1960s, when research showed that they were an effective way to prevent cavities in children. Today, dental sealants are used by dentists all over the world as a simple and cost-effective way to help patients avoid cavities.

How dental sealants are applied

Dental sealants are applied using a special dental adhesive. First, the tooth is cleaned and dried. Then, the dental adhesive is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Next, the dental sealant is placed on top of the dental adhesive and allowed to harden. Once it has hardened, the dental sealant will create a barrier that will protect the tooth enamel from plaque and bacteria.

Find out more about sealants from your dentist in Spring

Sealants are usually applied to children's teeth as a way of preventing cavities, but they can also be used for adults who are at high risk for dental problems. If you think that dental sealants might be right for you, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Spring today.