Dental Sealants 101: A Guide for Patients

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While you may do all you can to prevent decay at home by brushing and flossing religiously, your teeth may still be at risk of decay simply because the surface of your teeth is textured and difficult to clean. Dental sealants in Athens, TX may be something to consider as part of your preventative dental health plan. Here is a look at some of the questions prospective patients tend to have about dental sealants.

Are dental sealants only for children?

Even though dental sealants are commonly recommended for children, the treatment can be just as effective for adults. If you are an adult that has certain tooth formation issues, such as deep ridges or areas that are hard to keep clean with regular brushing, sealants may be a viable option.

How long will the sealing treatment last?

Dental sealants can last for a really long time and offer adequate protection from decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sealants will actually protect your teeth from about 80 percent of cavities for as long as two years. However, the sealant will still offer 50 percent protection for as long as four years.

Is the material used for sealants safe for the body?

Dental sealants are created out of specially formulated plastic. Depending on the type of sealant used by the dentist you are working with, the sealant may contain trace amounts of bisphenol acid (BPA). However, the trace amount is not considered a risk to the body. The benefits of having the sealants in place far outweigh any perceived risks, even for young children.

Talk to an Athens Dentist About Dental Sealants

In the end, dental sealants can be a valuable component in your preventative oral health plan with an Athens, TX dentist. If you are interested in dental sealants for yourself or your child, reach out to us at Athens Smiles Family Dental to schedule an appointment.

3 Common Causes of Distal Cavities

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Even though tooth extractions in Athens are avoided as much as possible, sometimes, a tooth decays beyond the point of repair before the dentist can intervene with treatment. While most patients recognize when they have a cavity, distal cavities are harder to see and may progress quickly. Distal cavities are located in the back of the teeth and can have some pretty common causes.

Improper Brushing Techniques

When most people brush their teeth, they pay close attention to the front of their teeth that they can see. It is easy to neglect the not-so-visible surfaces that are on the interior and closer to your tongue. Not hitting these surfaces with the brush can leave bacteria and food residue clinging to tooth enamel where cavities can start to form.

Smoking or Vaping

Smoking and vaping are common culprits behind distal cavities. When you vape or smoke, you are not just pulling heat into your mouth that raises the temperature and promotes cavities, but you are also exhaling smoke or vaping residue that can get trapped on the backside of your teeth.

Lack of Dental Hygiene Appointments

Dental hygiene appointments are done to clean all those surfaces of the teeth that are commonly missed during regular brushing. However, these visits also tackle some of the distal areas of the teeth that can be more prone to decay. Patients that do not get regular hygiene appointments with their dentist can be more prone to distal cavity development.

Protect Your Smile with the Help of an Athens Dentist

With a good preventative care plan with an Athens dentist, distal cavities are less likely to form and go unnoticed. If you believe you have a cavity that needs to be addressed, reach out to us at Athens Smiles to schedule an appointment.