However, the most decay-prone areas of the teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth which require further preventive care. To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. The American Dental Association recommends sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13.
Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless.
Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay. Many are on medications creating dryness of the mouth as a side effect. Without the natural benefit of saliva to decrease bacterial action, we see an increase of cavities on the root surfaces of these patients. Anyone on a medication causing a dry mouth should be encouraged to see their dentist for regular dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses. For more information regarding dental problems of the elderly, please call our office.