Are Sealants New?
No, sealants have been around since the 1960’s. Studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others led to the development of dental sealants and showed that they are safe and effective. But many people still do not know about sealants. In fact, fewer than 25 percent of children in the United States have sealants on their teeth. Besides sealants, are there other ways to prevent tooth decay? Yes. Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water can help protect teeth from decay. Water is fluoridated in about two-thirds of cities and town in the United States. If your water is not fluoridated or if your children’s teeth need more fluoride to stay healthy, a dentist can prescribe it in the form of gel, mouth rinse or a tablet. Flouride is the best defense against tooth decay!
No, sealants are not new. They have been around for about 25 years. Research by NIDCR and others led to the development of sealants in the early 1960s. But many people still do not know what sealants are. How are sealants put on? Sealant Demonstration Besides sealants, are there other ways to prevent tooth decay? Yes. The best way you can help prevent tooth decay is to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water (water is fluoridated in about half the cities and towns of the United States). If your water is not fluoridated or if your teeth need more fluoride to stay healthy, your dentist can prescribe it in the form of a gel, mouthrinse or tablet. If you have a baby or a young child that needs fluoride and do not have fluoride in your water, your physician (pediatrician) or dentist can prescribe fluoride drops or tablets. Fluoride is the best defense against tooth decay! Fluoride …
No, sealants are not new. They have been around for a long time! Research by NIDCR and others led to the development of sealants in the early 1960s. But many people still do not know what sealants are. In fact, fewer than 20 percent of children in the United States have sealants! • Why get sealants? By covering the chewing surfaces of the molars, sealants keep out the germs and food that cause decay. • Who should get sealants? Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in — before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars — called “6 year molars” — come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars — “12 year molars” — come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old. The other teeth with pits and grooves — called “premolars” or “bicuspids”– right in front of the molars, also may need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults without decay or fillings in their molars also may get sealants. • Which teeth are suitable
