If you’ve struggled with tooth decay throughout your life, you may have heard about dental sealants in Seneca. These thin, plastic coatings seal the surfaces of back teeth known as the molars and last premolars. Because these teeth have narrow and deep grooves, it can be easy for food leftovers and plaque to build up there.
Tooth decay can be prevented by placing sealants on these deep pits. Sealants are especially common in pediatric patients, as children are much more prone to developing cavities. Nevertheless, can anyone get dental sealants?
Who Are Candidates for Dental Sealants?
Anyone with healthy teeth in need of protection can get dental sealants. Pediatric dentists often recommend them, as children are more prone to developing cavities because their enamel is still developing and thus weaker than an adult’s.
Sealants can be an effective way to prevent damage to these growing teeth. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 6 and 11 who do not have sealants have three times as many molar cavities as those who do. Moreover, existing decay must be treated before a dental sealant is placed to prevent it from festering.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Yes, adults can get dental sealants.
There’s a common misconception that cavities are only for kids. While they might not be quite as cavity-prone, adults can get new cavities! Certain conditions that emerge as we get older, such as dry mouth, can leave an adult’s teeth especially weakened against tooth decay.
Adult dental sealants may be beneficial for elderly or disabled patients who require assistance with their dental care. The same goes for people with conditions like dementia, ALS, or MS, who may find it challenging to take care of their oral health on their own.
Protect Your Smile with Dental Sealants in Seneca
Instead of asking whether adults are candidates, it’s better to wonder what benefits they bring. Sealants can be a fantastic solution for patients who struggle to maintain their oral health.
Each situation is unique, so you need the professional opinion of a dentist at Hood Family Dentistry to determine if sealants are right for you. If you’re interested, reach out and schedule a consultation!