Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food, Halloween candy and cavity-causing bacteria to hide!

Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouths meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in teeth. These holes are cavities. After a sealant has been applied it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth – just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age six and second molars break through around age twelve. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run.

How are sealants applied? It’s a quick and painless process. The tooth is cleaned and dried then an acidic gel is placed. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off and your tooth is dried once again before applying the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. Then a special blue light is used to harden the sealant.

So beware of the cavity monster this Halloween and get sealants!

Dr. Ron White is located at 4189 E. Hwy 290.  He has served Dripping Springs Smiles for over 15 years. He and his team strive to provide comfortable, compassionate care in a calm and luxurious office.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling 512-858-LOVE Your Smile (5683).