Dental sealants are the perfect solution to your tooth decay and cavities. With so many sugary treats and tooth-damaging food items in the market, it is important that you take preventive steps to avoid wasting thousands of dollars on dental treatments and surgeries. Dental sealants are a thin plastic layer separating your teeth from the outside bacteria. 

However, you might question the durability of dental sealants and how long you can wear them until you need to replace them again. It is especially important to be educated about this if you already have dental sealants. After some time, sealants wear away, and your enamel is again exposed to bacteria. Visit your Wichita Falls cosmetic dentist to get dental sealants today. 

How long do dental sealants last?

The good thing about dental sealants is that they can last for about a decade or even more if you care for them. Dental sealants wear away with use after some time, and your enamel is exposed once again. This is advantageous because your teeth will not have to go through extra procedures to remove the old sealant; they will already be ready for the application of the new layer. 

You can ask your dentist to check the status of your dental sealants every time you go for a routine dental checkup. Your dentist can tell you when the sealants have worn away or are about to wear away completely. 

What are the signs that your dental sealants have worn away?

You can check whether your dental sealants have worn away without waiting for your dentist’s appointment by knowing a few warning signs. Here are some of the common signs: 

• You no longer see or feel a shiny and smooth coating over the surface of your teeth. 
• Your sealants have cracks and chips. 
• Your sealants are coming loose. 

The best way to know is to visit your dentist. 

How can you care for your dental sealants?

Dental sealants are one of the best ways to avoid cavities. Since they can last for a long time when you take care of them, here are measures to do so: 

• Brush your teeth, especially the ones with sealant. 
• Avoid chewing hard food items like seeds, nuts, candies, pits, etc. Biting or chewing on hard foods can damage dental sealants. However, you may be able to avoid damage if you chew slowly. 
• Go for a routine dental checkup at least once or twice a year. This will help you know whether your dental sealants are in place.