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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

Can I brush My Teeth After sealants?

Have you or your child received dental sealants? Then, you must be thinking about whether you can brush your teeth after sealants. Yes, however, there are some dental care basics you should know to take care of your newly sealed teeth. Devine Family Dentist talks about sealants, why they’re important, and how to take care of teeth that have them. Let’s start!

What are Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin coatings that your dentist puts on your teeth and premolars to protect them. The deep and difficult-to-clean pits make these teeth more prone to dental cavities. The use of sealants prevents food, bacteria, and plaque from penetrating these spaces and causing tooth decay.

To clean the smooth parts of your teeth, use a toothbrush and floss. But, it’s tougher to reach the deep pits on your back teeth. Sealants “seal” weak areas for added protection. Children and teens use them most, but adults can benefit too.

Dental sealants are easy, quick, and don’t hurt to put on. Before the sealant is put on, the Devine Family Dentist will clean the teeth that are stuck in place. Then, a special gel is put on the tooth’s surface to help the barrier stay in place.

A certain light is used to seal the sealant after the tooth has been washed and dried. Finally! Your teeth are now even safer with this extra cover.

Can I Brush My Teeth After Sealants

Yes! As soon as the curing light has sealed the dental sealants, you can go about your normal dental care routine, such as flossing and brushing your teeth. Sealants are fully set right away, unlike some other dental treatments that make you wait to eat or drink for a while.

In other words, you can eat, brush your teeth, and go about your day normally right after the visit. You can clean your teeth normally, but there are a few things to remember to prolong sealants and oral health.

Brushing Tips After Dental Sealants by Devine Family Dentist

1. Brush With Soft Bristles
Use a gentle toothbrush after sealing. The Devine Family Dentist suggests that this tip is essential for everyone, especially after dental work. Hard brushes can be abrasive. They may not break sealants but damage gums and teeth.

2. Brush Teeth Twice Regularly
Brush your teeth twice a day, before bed and in the morning. Even if you can cover your rear teeth while chewing, plaque and bacteria will still get to your front teeth. Brushing your teeth after each meal will help keep your mouth healthy.

3. Don’t Rub Your Gums
Proceed with caution when scrubbing to avoid harming your gums and teeth. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is easier with a rounded, gentle toothbrush.

4. Remember To Floss Daily
However, sealants simply protect your biting surfaces from cavities. They do not protect interdental gaps. Hence, flossing is the best way to get rid of plaque and food bits that get stuck between teeth. Regularly flossing your teeth will help you clean all the places between your teeth that are hard to get to.

What To Look Forward To After Getting Sealants

With the ability to brush after sealants, you may be inquiring about any aftereffects or necessary measures. Check these points –

  • Be aware that your initial bite may feel altered for 1-2 days following the sealants. Your mouth will adjust quickly. If the pain persists or worsens after a few days, call your dentist to check the seals.
  • Sealants fail even though they are strong. Dental treatments can last for five years. Regular dental visits are the most effective method for identifying and rectifying defective seals.
  • If food becomes lodged in your teeth or is challenging to swallow, refrain from consuming it. Numerous adhesive substances, such as ice, gum, and sweets, can lead to the displacement or accelerated deterioration of your seals.

Do I Need Sealants If I Have Good Oral Hygiene?

You may ask, “Do I need sealants if I brush and floss daily?” It relies on dental health and cavity risk. Some people are more prone to cavities despite good oral hygiene. It may be genetic or due to tooth holes. Even daily brushers should apply sealants to prevent vulnerable regions.

Talk to the Devine Family Dentist if you aren’t sure if you need sealants. They will be able to assess your dental health and advise you on the appropriateness of sealants.

Final Thoughts

Although sealants are effective in preventing cavities, nothing beats routine dental exams and cleanings. Do everything the Devine Family Dentist tells you to do before you go. Brush twice, floss once, and rinse twice.

If you haven’t considered sealants, they may prevent cavities. It applies especially to kids and persons with deep back teeth grooves. Maintain your teeth to have a beautiful smile lifelong.