Sealants are kind of a layer applied on the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent them from decaying.

They are applied just like a nail polish is applied on the nails.

They are especially required now –a-days since the dietary habits are changing. There is  a tremendous increase in the consumption of chocolates etc & this has led to a massive increase in the incidence of cavities in children.

Most of the cavities in children start in the pits and fissures of the biting surface of the back teeth. Therefore, if we seal up the tooth surface before the cavitations starts we can protect the tooth against cavities. When the permanent teeth erupt, a sealant is applied on their biting surfaces. These are known as pit and fissure sealants. They protects the tooth against cavities.

Therefore, sealants must be applied on biting surfaces as soon as the teeth erupt.

It is better to seal, before the decay process starts. In fact, we have a recall system which reminds parents about their appointment for application of sealants and fluorides.

Better to seal up the tooth surface rather than to fill after cavities start.

Fluoride application  & sealants are one of the most successful preventive dentistry techniques.

Pls also see the amateur video on sealants here.

Regards,

Dr. Veerendra Darakh

On these blogs I will elaborate my views on a variety of dental care topics

Please do visit www.drdarakh.com regularly .The website will be extensively updated soon and so do keep on visiting the site regularly.

Many more features will be added soon on the site.

Study after study by various institutes across the world have shown that regular cleaning of teeth by a dental surgeon ( scaling of teeth) is a must.

 Therefore, every individual must get his teeth cleaned by a dentist regularly.

This is because even with the best oral hygiene practices of the patient some amount of plaque still remains on the tooth surfaces. This plaque hardens into tartar and causes gum swellings ( gingivitis) .

 Furthermore research now tells us that bad gums contribute to many medical problems like diabetes, cardiac problems etc.

Those patients who have medical problems like diabetes, etc must especially remember and get their teeth cleaned at regular intervals. Pregnant women must also get their teeth cleaned once or twice during pregananncy.

I have always emphasized upon the regular cleaning of teeth, by a dental surgeon right from my initial days of practice since 1990.

Ours is the only practice that has developed a computerized recall and reminder system for the same.

After all, clean teeth means a bright smile and a bright smile means a bright day.

Dr. Veerendra Darakh