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 is 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, and continued as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13.

Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless. Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of using a sealant in preventing dental decay.

Related reading: Preventing decayed teeth · Children’s dental center · Mouthguards