Sealing Teeth Against Attack

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Our teeth have many natural forms of defense. One of the strongest is your tooth’s enamel. It is the hardest tissue in the body, and enables us to bite and chew all kinds of food. But as hard as it is, enamel can still wear down and decay. Plaque forms on our teeth constantly, exposing enamel to harmful acid. What can you do to protect your enamel?

One common procedure performed to prevent the decay of enamel and the formation of cavities is to apply dental sealants. Our chewing teeth have rugged ridges and valleys that can be hard to clean effectively. This makes it easy for plaque to accumulate and for cavities to form. Applying a dental sealant to these chewing surfaces prevents acid from coming into contact with tooth enamel and causing damage.

A dental sealant is a thin layer of protective plastic painted to the teeth. It smoothens out pits and grooves, making it harder for food and plaque to accumulate. While sealants can be effective on people of all ages, they are especially good for children. You should consider dental sealants for your child as soon as his or her permanent molars appear. Kids are especially prone to getting cavities through their early teen years.

Getting dental sealants is a quick, painless process, and can provide years of protection to your enamel. To learn more about dental sealants or to set an appointment with Dr. Michael Hall, please call our Bend, OR, office today.