The holiday season is fast-approaching, with the aroma of peppermint, cinnamon, and nutmeg titillating the senses. It’s also the season when the incidences of cavities are much higher. First, you have Halloween chocolate bars, licorice, suckers, and taffy; next, is candied yams and fruit pies with whip or ice cream for Thanksgiving; finally, Christmas peppermints, fudge, hard candies, and more fill a stocking. That’s a lot of sugar in contact with your teeth. For added protection this holiday season, contact Texas Kids Dental at 915-858-6868 to inquire about dental sealants.
Dental sealants can help stave off cavities by creating a barrier to acid, sugar, and bacteria. The dental assistant or dentist applies a liquid-type adhesive to the enamel of your teeth, which serves as a buffer, which effectively seals out bacteria that can develop into an infection, or keeps sugar and acids from eating away your tooth structure. Sealants work by filling in the nooks and crannies of the chewing surfaces, which helps reduce the risk of food particles getting trapped or plaque from forming on the teeth.
In order to benefit the most from dental sealants, it’s best to apply them to permanent molars and soon after the teeth have erupted – before they’ve had a chance to decay. Applying sealants requires no drilling or removing tooth structure, and is done quickly and easily. After the dental assistant cleans the tooth, a special gel is applied to the chewing surface, taking only a few seconds. After the tooth is washed off and dried and the sealant applied. It’s that simple!
If cared for properly, dental sealants can last for years. We welcome your visit to our dental office, where Dr. Jeffrey Erickson can discuss with you about dental sealants in El Paso, Texas, and ensure they’re right for you. Contact us today!