Dental decay "cavities"
Fluoride
has been a great benefit to patients of all ages in helping prevent
dental decay. Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of
developing "cavities."
However, the most decay-prone areas of teeth
are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back
teeth, which require further preventive care.To prevent
decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on
the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that
sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100%.
The American Dental Association recommends sealants be placed as
soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants
should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the
mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are usually present by age 13.
Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless.
Please call our office with any questions you may have about the
benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay.
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