Dental sealants are a thin coating applied to chewing surfaces of your back teeth to prevent bacteria and cavities. This helps prevent decay, but proper dental sealant maintenance and care are essential to ensure they remain in good condition.
Ensuring that you’re following proper aftercare instructions for dental sealants will extend the life of your molars as well as other benefits, including:
- Preventing tooth decay
- Protecting your teeth against cavities
- Extending the life of your enamel
- Reducing dental care costs
What to Expect After Your Procedure
There should be no downtime after your dentist applies the sealant to your molars and premolars. You’ll be able to return to your normal activities right away.
You’ll need to avoid crunchy or sticky foods to prevent damage until the sealant is set, usually for a few hours. It’s also important to wait until any numbing has worn off so you don’t accidentally bite your cheeks or tongue.
One common con of dental sealants is feeling a slight texture difference in your teeth or a change in your bite. However, this should pass quickly as you adjust to their presence.
Aftercare Instructions for Dental Sealants
After your dental sealant procedure, the last thing you want to do is have to go back for more dental work. In order to maintain their integrity, you’ll need to know how to care for your dental sealants.
Here are some common dental sealant maintenance tips to keep the coating in good condition:
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing regularly are good dental habits that help protect your sealants from food particles and remove any plaque buildup. It’s important to note that while sealants help protect your teeth, they are not a replacement for regular dental care. You should still schedule regular check-ups and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Be Careful What You Eat
Can you eat after dental sealants? The short answer is yes, but you’ll want to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Eating foods like candy or popcorn in moderation overall will extend the life of your dental sealants. It’s also important to avoid crunching on ice, as this can cause cracks in the sealant. A balanced diet can help strengthen your teeth and promote good oral health.
Avoid Bad Habits that Relate to Your Teeth
Apart from certain foods, there are other habits you should avoid to prevent damaging or dislodging your sealants. Things like biting your nails or using your teeth to open packaging or even bottles could cause serious damage not only to the dental sealants but to the tooth itself.
Wear a Mouth Guard
Some activities can result in potential injuries and damage. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports protects your dental sealants and the rest of your teeth and mouth.
Long-Term Care
Another vital component of caring for this protective coating is knowing how long dental sealants last. With a lifespan of only five years, sealants should be replaced regularly so your teeth remain properly protected. Your dentist should check your sealants every six months during your regular dental checkup to monitor their condition and reapply the sealant if needed.
Your oral hygiene products also affect how long your dental sealants will last. Abrasive or fluoride toothpaste can break down the protective coating on your teeth, making them less effective. Additionally, toothpicks can damage the sealant and allow bacteria to break through, leading to further dental issues.
Signs Your Dental Sealant Needs to be Replaced
You should get your sealant replaced every 5 years.
However, sometimes, they will need to be repaired or replaced before they reach the end of their life. It’s important to know what to look for to keep your sealant working as effectively as possible.
Since it’s such a thin coating, they can occasionally wear down sooner than five years. If it has worn away, it is not providing the protection it should and could leave you at increased risk of cavities.
Visible signs of damage mean it’s time to replace the coating. When you notice any sealant damage, like cracks or chips, it’s time to schedule a dentist appointment to get them replaced.
Get Professional Dental Sealants at Premiere Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
While dental sealants are more common for children, adults can also benefit from this protective layer on their teeth. But without proper care, you won’t get the most out of their protection. Once applied, it’s important to practice good dental sealant aftercare to help extend their lifespan and keep them in good condition.
If you require dental sealant application or repair, contact the dental professionals at Premiere Cosmetics and Family Dentistry for expert services in the McDonough, GA area.
