How to Care for Your Dental Sealants in Willoughby Hills, OH
Dental sealants are one of the most effective preventive treatments available at Smile Brighter. Willoughby Hills, OH dentist, Dr. Phillip Wallace and our team regularly recommend these protective coatings to patients from Willoughby Hills, Eastlake, Mentor, Kirtland, and Wickliffe who want to prevent tooth decay. These thin, plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) where decay most often occurs. But once you have sealants, how do you care for them?
Your dentist in Willoughby Hills can walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your dental sealants for years of cavity protection. To learn more about proper dental sealant care, contact Smile Brighter today by calling (440) 210-0999.
How Dental Sealants Work
Dental sealants act as barriers, protecting vulnerable areas of your teeth from food particles and bacteria that cause decay. Dr. Wallace applies these clear or tooth-colored coatings to fill in the deep grooves and deep pits of your molars, creating smooth teeth surfaces that’s easier to clean. While incredibly durable, sealants do require proper dental care to maximize their effectiveness and longevity.
Daily Care for Your Dental Sealants
Caring for dental sealants isn’t complicated—in fact, it’s very similar to your regular oral hygiene routine. Here are the essential steps:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth
- Rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash for added protection
- Maintain regular checkups and routine dental cleanings with Dr. Wallace at Smile Brighter
Even with sealants in place, thorough brushing remains essential since the sealants only protect the chewing surfaces, leaving other areas of your teeth still vulnerable to decay.
Foods and Habits to Avoid
While dental sealants are durable, certain foods and habits can potentially damage them:
- Hard candies and ice (avoid chewing these)
- Extremely sticky or tacky foods like caramels and taffy
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (consider a nightguard if you do this)
- Using your teeth as tools to open packages
By avoiding these habits, you’ll help preserve both your sealants and your natural teeth underneath.
When to Contact Your Willoughby Hills Dentist
Contact Dr. Wallace at Smile Brighter if you notice any of these issues with your sealants:
- A sealant feels rough or jagged when you run your tongue over it
- You can see visible chips or cracks in the sealant
- Part or all of a sealant appears to be missing
- You experience unusual sensitivity in a tooth with a sealant
Prompt attention to these issues will ensure continuous protection against decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. During your regular checkups, your dentist will evaluate your sealants and recommend replacements if necessary.
While sealants are often recommended for children and teenagers, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. The dentist will evaluate each patient individually to determine if sealants would be beneficial, regardless of age.
Most patients adjust to their sealants very quickly. The thin coating feels natural within a day or two, and you’ll likely forget they’re even there.
Since sealants are typically applied to back teeth, they aren’t visible during normal smiling or speaking. The clear or tooth-colored sealant material blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Protecting Your Investment for Long-Term Dental Health at Smile Brighter
Dental sealants are an excellent investment in your long-term oral health. With proper care and regular visits to Dr. Phillip Wallace at Smile Brighter in Willoughby Hills, OH, your sealants can provide years of protection against tooth decay. If you’re from Willoughby Hills, Eastlake, Mentor, Kirtland, or Wickliffe and have questions about your existing sealants or are interested in getting them, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Your smile deserves the best protection available, and our team is ready to help you maintain it for years to come.
Ready to protect your smile with dental sealants? Contact the best dentist in Willoughby Hills, OH at Smile Brighter today by calling (440) 210-0999 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Phillip Wallace!