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Tooth Decay
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Sealants are put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth.
How are sealants put on?
1. The tooth is cleaned.
2. The tooth is dried, and cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
3. A solution is put on the tooth that makes the surface a little rough. (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough surface.)
4. The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
5. The sealant is applied in liquid form and hardens in a few seconds.
6. The sealant is in place.
Besides sealants, are there other ways to prevent tooth decay?
