If you want to prevent cavities, you should brush twice a day for two minutes at a time, floss once a day and see your dentist at least twice a year for your routine cleanings and examinations. Watching your diet is another great way to make certain that your teeth stay healthy.
It is relatively easy to clean your front teeth. However, your back teeth, known as your molars and premolars have ridges on them called cusps. Those are used by your molars to grind your food so that it is easier for you to digest. But those cusps are great places for bacteria to hide and breed, and for plaque to accumulate. It is also difficult for your toothbrush to reach those areas, and they are prime real estate for cavities. Our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Erickson can protect your molars and premolars from tooth decay through the use of dental sealants.
Dental sealants are thin coats of plastic applied to the chewing surface your back teeth. First, the dentist cleans and dries the tooth and applies an acidic solution. That solution will leave tiny abrasions on the surface of your tooth which will allow the sealants to adhere. When the solution is dry, the sealant will be applied and cured with a special light, or allowed to cure on its own. These sealants will provide a barrier between your tooth enamel and those substances which can cause tooth decay.
Dental sealants work best when they are applied, as soon as the molars and premolars erupt; and are usually given to children between the ages of 6 and 16. But adults who have healthy molars, or who are prone to cavities may benefit from dental sealants.
If you are concerned about cavities in your child, you can make an appointment for a cleaning, exam, and for dental sealants at Texas Kids Dental in El Paso, Texas by calling 915-858-6868 today.