Recently I have started working with the San Antonio Public Health Department. One of my assignments is to go to some of the public elementary schools in the area and provide sealants to the children. This has been a wonderful opportunity for them as they are able to receive a great dental service and for me to be able to help those kids whose parents may not be able to afford sealants for their children. What a great experience it is to help these kids out!
Sealants are safe, painless, and a great way to protect teeth from tooth decay (cavities), because our teeth have tiny grooves in them where our toothbrushes cannot always clean. Sealants are a thin, plastic, tooth-colored material bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and sometimes the premolars. This forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
In my professional experience so far, I’ve noticed a decrease in the number of cavities per patient. On a more personal note, my mouth so far has been cavity free because of sealants. My mom (a dental hygienist herself) made sure I had sealants at a very young age. A practice I will definitely carry on with my own children!
Most insurances only cover sealants for children up to 16 or 18 years old, but I think adults should get them as well. What a great way to protect your teeth from decay! In the long run, it would be cheaper and less invasive. I also think sealants are a must if someone is going in for either chemo or radiation therapy.
We now offer FREE Wi-Fi in our office for all of our dental patients!
