However, dental sealant does not last forever and if it isn't monitored and redone periodically, this product designed to help protect against tooth decay can create a haven for it, said Sarasota dentist Dr. Charles Crane.
Since many young adults who had sealant applied to their teeth as children will head off to college in a few months, it is time for a "college prep" course before they go, said Crane, who practices general and cosmetic dentistry and also specializes in dental implants in Sarasota, FL. These sealants wear away over time, so parents should make sure their college-age children visit a dentist before going offto school, where they could be too far away to visit their family dentist, should a problem arise while they are away.
To get young adults prepped for college, Crane offers a package that includes a complete dental exam, cleaning, whitening and a Sonicare toothbrush to take with them to college.
"We want to give them a good send-off, and to remind them to schedule appointments for dental cleanings when they are home between semesters or during the summer," Crane said.
Dental Sealant Defined
Dental sealant is a plastic coating that protects teeth from decay-causing bacteria, according to the American Dental Association Web site. ( http://www.ada.org/public/topics/sealants.asp#overview )
Molars in children have deep grooves in the anatomy of the tooth that are too tiny for toothbrush bristles to fit into and clean properly, Crane said.
"Dentists will put dental sealant on those teeth in young patients to prevent bacteria from getting in those grooves and growing," Crane said. "However, the sealant must be checked periodically."
If left unchecked and sealant wears away over time, the likelihood of tooth decay increases, Crane said. The sealant tends to wear away in spots, creating openings in which bacteria can enter. When that occurs, the sealant begins to work against the patient. Areas of worn sealant can allow bacteria to enter while still preventing toothbrush bristles from cleaning the area, he said.
Why label sealant checks as "prepping" for college?
"We need to be realistic about what happens at college," Crane said.
Some kids will stay out late, drink beer and other carbohydrate-rich drinks and won't brush and floss when they get home. Germs that are present in the mouth use the sugar in foods and drinks to make acids that can cause cavities over time.
"We are starting to see more patients who are in their early 20s who had sealant applied when they were younger and that sealant has worn out," he said. "Now their teeth are getting bombed out by cavities."
Once students go off to college and aren't under a parent's watchful eye any longer, routine dental visits can fall by the wayside.
"We just want to remind young adults that if they have dental work of any kind in their mouths, they need to see a dentist for X-rays, cleanings, exams and check-ups on a regular basis," Crane said.
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