Dental decay and cavity prevention

Fluoride has been a great benefit to patients of all ages in helping prevent dental decay.  Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing "cavities."

At Tacoma Medical Center Dentistry we know that the most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which require further preventive care.

To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100% in the Tacoma area and nation wide.

The American Dental Association recommends that sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7.  Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth.  All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13.  Sealant application is simple and fast.

Please call Tacoma Medical Center Dentistry with any questions you may have about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay.

<< Back to Dental Information Center