Prevent Tooth Decay with Sealants Published Feb. 22, 2007 By Capt. Jeff Baer 92nd Aeromedical Dental Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental decay is the leading transmissible disease in the world today. Some of the leading causes of tooth decay are poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, and deep pits and fissures on the biting surfaces of the chewing teeth. Improved oral hygiene and modifying one's diet can all be accomplished at home by the patient. However, prevention of tooth decay due to deep pits and fissure requires the help of a dental professional. This is because millions of bacteria hide out in these pits and fissures, thus they are inaccessible to daily tooth brushing and oral rinses. As a result, the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in these irregular surfaces can lead to tooth decay. Steps to prevent tooth decay include water fluoridation, toothpaste with fluoride, good nutrition, strict home oral hygiene care and regular dental visits. Sealants are flowable, tooth-colored plastic materials that are placed on the chewing surface of the molars and premolars. Sealants work by sealing off the deep pits and grooves, which makes it possible, with daily brushing, to keep the teeth clean. The placement of sealants can prevent and stop early tooth decay in pits and fissures by depriving the bacteria of oxygen and sugar, their main food source. The placement of sealants is a quick and non-invasive procedure. Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal and best of all, there's no need for the injection of anesthetic. Sealants are most effective if applied as soon as possible after the eruption of the permanent teeth. Although sealants are mainly targeted towards children and teenagers, there can be certain circumstances where even adults can benefit from the placement of sealants. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is warranted. The risk of tooth decay will dramatically drop if oral hygiene is improved, dietary consumption of sweets is moderated, and the use of sealants as a protective barrier on all chewing teeth surfaces is accomplished. Sealants are relatively inexpensive to place, especially when compared to the cost of a typical dental filling. They are a covered benefit under the TRICARE Dental Plan (with some restrictions). For more information, contact a dentist. Active duty members may call the Fairchild Dental Clinic at 247-5829 for an evaluation.