When your 20 primary teeth are replaced by your 32 permanent teeth, there are often minute changes in the size of each tooth and the texture of the tooth enamel. One of the major factors to note is the formation of deep pits and fissures in the biting surfaces of molars and premolars in the back of your mouth. While this makes them more effective at chewing and grinding, these areas can also prove difficult to clean by daily brushing. If food particles and plaque get trapped in these deep contours, they can cause tooth decay.
If your dentist, Dr. Mark Berard, notices an issue during your dental checkup, he might suggest having dental sealants applied to your back teeth. Dental sealants in Holland, Michigan, are basically durable, plastic, resin shells that Dr. Mark Berard carefully applies to the biting surfaces of your back teeth to create an effective barrier between bacteria and the healthy tooth enamel.
Dr. Mark Berard often recommends applying the sealants right after your child’s regular dental checkup. This ensures that the enamel on the biting surfaces is completely clean.
Once the sealants have been applied, he will use a special ultraviolet light to cure and harden the resin. If any residual food particles get stuck in the pits and fissures, the dental sealants will keep bacteria from having direct access to the tooth enamel.
If you are concerned about the health of your back teeth, you should call Mark D. Berard, DDS at 616-392-2853 to ask about dental sealants.