Dental sealants are a plastic material that is placed

in the pits and ssures of the chewing surfaces of your

teeth. Typically found on the molars at the back

because toothbrushes can’t reach all the way

to clean well.

Who needs dental sealants?

Kids and teens are especially known as bad

brushers. They tend to not take care of the

problem

areas in the back of the mouth. This

can lead to cavities, making them the prime target market

for sealants. (However, if adults have certain problem areas

that could be cured with sealants, this could be an option for

them too.) The American Dental Association recommends that

kids receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt.

Those who are more susceptible to cavities and decay – whether

that is because they are genetically prone to cavities, don’t have

great oral hygiene habits, or lack access to dental care – should

consider getting dental sealants as a preventative measure.

How do dental sealants work?

Dental sealants ll in and smooth out the grooves and ssures in your teeth that tend to hide food particles and

attract cavity-causing bacteria. According to the American Dental Association, sealants work by “’sealing out’ food

and plaque… [because] toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves.”

How long do dental sealants last?

Dental sealants can protect the teeth for up to 10 years but need to be checked frequently by a dentist

for cracks. If dental sealants are worn down, it’s possible for decay to get under the sealant.

Are dental sealants effective?

Dental sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of cavities in the teeth that are

covered. According to Jonathan Shenkin, a spokesman for the American Dental

Association, decades of research demonstrate that coating the biting surface

of 6-year molars with a resin-based sealant can reduce cavities by up to nearly

80% immediately, and up to 60% for four years or more.

Why don’t all children and teens get dental sealants?

The American Dental Association recommends that kids receive dental sealants as

soon as their adult teeth erupt, but less than 40% of dentists comply. Studies by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 20% of children poverty l

level and 40% of kids from higher income homes get the sealants.

www.libertydentalplan.com

Making members shine, one smile at a time

™

fact:

Dental sealants

protect teeth from

cavity-causing

bacteria

Dental Sealants

for Teens

LIBERTY cares about more than just teeth!