When it comes to the safety of your natural teeth and the overall health of your smile, most people think of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. However, there is actually another powerful tool to combat cavities, especially in those tricky, hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that sometimes even a toothbrush can miss: dental sealants. They may actually be the missing link in your teeth’s health. If you are looking for a dentist in Burns Lake with practical recommendations for preventative oral care, sealants are a great place to start.
What are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin, plastic protective coatings that are painted onto the surfaces of your molars and premolar teeth to reduce the risk of decay. Because of the deeper grooves on molars, they are always beginning to decay faster than any other tooth because of the ability to trap food and bacteria.
Sealants act as a physical barrier to keep out plaque and acid that cause decay.
If you’re uncertain if sealants are right for you, here are five reasons dental sealants are a good choice for your smile, especially if you are a teenager or young adult.
Importance of Dental Sealants
1. They prevent cavities before they start
The simplest reason for getting sealants, they prevent cavities before they start. While you may have excellent brushing habits, it is possible that you miss small grooves on the back of your teeth with your toothbrush. These tiny pits can trap food and bacteria, which slowly damage the enamel on your teeth.
If you’ve ever searched for a dentist for cavity prevention tips, dental sealants are often mentioned as being a good option.
Sealing the grooves will create a smooth surface, which will deter plaque accumulation, preserving your smile where it counts most.
2. They Are Quick, Simple and Pain-Free
Many dental procedures take a long time or cause distress for patients, but dental sealants are quick, simple, and 100% pain-free. In fact, applying sealants does not involve any drilling or needles, and the actual application should take just a few minutes per tooth.
If you get dental sealants in Burns Lake, this is what the procedure will look like-
- Your tooth will be cleaned and dried.
- A special gel will be applied for a short period of time to prepare the surface.
- The gel is rinsed and dried again.
- A sealant will be painted on and hardened under a curing light.
That’s it! No needles, no drills, just a lot of protection in one short visit!
3. They Can Last for Years
Not only are sealants easy to apply, but they also last for a long time.
With proper care, they can last five to ten years or longer. You don’t have to do anything extra—just keep brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for checkups.
This makes dental sealants for adolescents especially valuable. For teens with packed schedules, school stress, and less-than-perfect brushing habits, sealants offer years of low-maintenance cavity protection.
Even if sealants wear down over time, they still provide some defence until they can be touched up.
4. They’re a Smart Investment
Dental sealants are a smart and affordable way to prevent more expensive procedures in the future. Avoiding cavities means avoiding fillings, crowns, or root canals—all of which cost significantly more time and money than sealants.
While sealants help protect molars, other dental treatments like implants also require mindful care. Patients are often advised about foods to avoid after dental implants—for example, sticky or hard foods that might damage the restoration. Similarly, avoiding chewing ice or hard candy will help preserve your sealants for years.
Sealants are often covered by insurance for children and teens, making them a smart financial move, too.
5. They’re Ideal for Kids & Teens (But Adults Benefit Too)
Sealants are especially effective when applied early, soon after the first and second sets of molars come in (around ages 6 and 12). But they aren’t just for kids! Even high schoolers, college students, and adults can benefit from sealants.
The earlier you apply sealants, the more they help. But it’s never too late to add that extra layer of protection. Whether you’re 14 or 40, your molars can still use the backup.
Protect Your Smile for the Future
Your smile is one of your most valuable features. It helps you express yourself, connect with others, and feel confident. Taking care of it today means fewer problems tomorrow, and dental sealants are one of the easiest ways to do that.
At North Summit Dental, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or someone looking to prevent future dental problems, we’re here to help. Having one of the most experienced dentist near you, we can assure you that you are in safe hands.
Book an appointment with North Summit Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile!
