A recent study released by the Pew Center on the States found that 40% of all U.S. States earned a D or F when it comes to providing children with dental sealants. The protective benefits of dental sealants have been acknowledged for almost 45 years now but states have been slow on the uptake of this preventative treatment. The most recent national survey revealed that only half of teens between the ages of 13 and 15 have sealants on permanent teeth.
Sealants are normally a plastic material placed in the chewing surfaces of the back molars as a barrier to prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing removes food and debris from the smooth surfaces of teeth but may not be able to reach into the rigid crevices present at the chewing surfaces. A composite resin, a tooth colored material, is bonded directly onto the tooth's surface and fits into the depressions and grooves, effectively blocking plaque and acids which can cause decay.
Along with brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular dental visits, sealants help to reduce the chances of tooth decay. While sealants are resilient to the stress of everyday chewing, they can breakdown after several years. At Smile Station Dental, we recommend sealants as early as the permanent teeth have come in and continue to check the condition of the sealants to recommend reapplication when necessary.
Source:http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312369
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/az-topics/s/sealants.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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