Dental Sealants in Springfield, IL

Since sugar became a common part of the human diet, we have been struggling with tooth decay. Sugary and starchy foods provide bacteria with exactly the type of fuel that makes them thrive and reproduce rapidly. Bacteria create an acidic environment in your mouth and can soften the protective enamel shell that covers your teeth. Once inside, bacteria are free to roam and spread decay throughout your tooth.

Because of their love of sugary foods and their lack of understanding or desire to brush and floss regularly, children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), dental decay is the most common preventable childhood condition.

At Ruggless Dental in Springfield, IL, we like to focus on prevention with all of our patients because stopping a dental condition before it starts is always best! One of the ways we do that is with dental sealants.

Dental Sealants to Protect Teeth

Bacteria like to collect in the deep grooves of your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Most decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of teeth because it is easy for food particles to become lodged there.

Dental sealants work by creating a barrier between food and bacteria and the chewing surfaces of your tooth. Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD will gently clean and dry the area. Then he will apply the sealant composite material to the grooves and chewing surfaces of your teeth, sealing out bacteria and sugar. Finally, he will allow the area to harden so that you can chew on it right away.