Simply brushing your teeth is not an effective solution for preventing tooth decay and erosion. The general dentistry team at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry recommends dental sealants, which give teeth solid protection against the bacteria that infiltrates your mouth and causes cavities.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are made of durable, stain-resistant plastic and are bonded to the grooves of your teeth. After a dentist at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry seals the tooth, the grooves are smoothed down and make it hard for plaque to build. Sealants make brushing teeth easy and efficient.
Dental sealants are safe for children and are a great way to prevent tooth decay after their permanent teeth have erupted. Sealants, however, can only be placed on healthy teeth. Sealing permanent teeth is much more common that sealing baby teeth; however, each person has different needs and your dentist at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry can tell you if dental sealants are a good option for you or not.
Sealants last for a few years, although it is common for adults to have older sealants that are still functional. A dental sealant is only effective when it is in good shape, so if your sealant falls out, let your dentist know and book an appointment so we can reseal your teeth.
To learn more about dental sealants, or to book an appointment with your dentist at Coquitlam General and Sedation Dentistry to reseal your teeth, contact us today.
In our continuous series of the best “ways to prevent cavities”, Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry outlines why vending machines are causing more and more cavities in children and adults.
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“Instead of this cavity-causing, sugar-filled, junk food, consider the following alternatives that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but limit cavities from occurring…” |
Vending machines are quick, easy and cheap. Put in some of your extra pocket cash and instantly enjoy a chocolate bar, chip bag, or even a can of pop. That’s not the only thing you’re getting for cheap, vending machines are not only giving out sugar-filled treats; they are also giving out cavities!
When you choose to satisfy your hunger with a chocolate bar or bag of candy, the bacteria in your mouth starts digesting sugar, quickly turning it into acid. This harmful chemical stays on your teeth and begins to eat away at the natural enamel (the material that protects your smile from tooth decay). When enamel gets eaten, you get a cavity!
So what are some helpful ways to prevent cavities from occurring? Always remember to brush your teeth after eating any sugar-filled treat. If you don’t have a chance to brush, don’t even think about treating yourself!
Instead of this cavity-causing, sugar-filled, junk food, consider the following alternatives that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but limit cavities from occurring:
Subscribe to our blog for more helpful ways to prevent cavities, or contact the friendly team at Coquitlam General & Sedation Dentistry to learn more about what causes cavities.