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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