Are dental sealants only for children? i had dental sealants as a kid, and had far fewer problems with cavities than i have had as an adult. can adults also get sealants, and would this help reduce how often i'm getting cavities?

Typically : Typically when a tooth erupts (i.e., first enters the mouth) it has grooves, pits and fissures that can trap harmful foods that cause decay. This is why as dentists we recommend sealing teeth as soon as they are sufficiently erupted through the gum to apply the sealant. As we function on teeth over the years the chewing surface enamel wears and the surface of the tooth smooths over which tends to trap less food. Additionally, our diets as adults should be better than they were when were kids (i.e., less sweets). However, i will recommend and apply sealants on some of my adult patients who still have chewing surfaces of teeth at risk for decay because of deeper grooves. The best prevention against adult decay is proper brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and daily flossing!

Yes : Yes and no! really we only put sealants on children's teeth although the material could be used to delay or stop decay getting a foothold for adults. The real answer to the challenge posed by this question is what are you not doing correctly that you could be doing as an adult that is putting you at risk of tooth decay. Tooth decay and gum disease are preventable, pretty my a 100 %. There are certain medical conditions that do predispose people to getting decay, but if the are halthy and you use the proper techniques you should be able to avoid tooth decay and gum disease altogether. I have attached a link to an oral hygiene guide that might prove valuable to you. Dental sealant are not really for adults, you should clean your teeth better. Dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

It depends: If your cavities are from deep grooves, then yes. All other cavities : no.

Not Just for Kids: No, sealants help decrease the risk of developing cavities on the biting surfaces of teeth. Doesn't matter if you are young or old, still does the same thing.

Good for adult too: Yes, sealants are good for adults as well. They tend to be more effective on children as children are more prone to cavities due to the fact that they don't tend to brush as well as adults and usually snack more often. For most adults, if they have not yet gotten a cavity on the chewing surface of a tooth their chance is low. Most dental insurance plans do not pay for sealants after about age 14.

Good question: Sealants are very effective in both children and adults to help decrease the incidence of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth. You can still get cavities in between teeth, on the sides of teeth, at the gum line ... . A very nominal fee is charged for sealants. Sadly, the insurance gurus, in their all-knowing infinite wisdom, believe, that sealants beyond the age of 16 are non-insurable!

Yes: Yes, under ideal conditions. Ask your DDS. See DDS for any pain which may suggest decay.