Tooth decay often occurs on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The good news is that sealants can help protect these surfaces from tooth decay and improve your chances to stay filling-free. What causes tooth decay? Your teeth are coated with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque (pronounced PLACK). The bacteria convert the sugars you eat and drink into acids that attack the strong, outer layer of your tooth, called enamel. Over time, this can weaken the enamel and cause cavities. What is a sealant? A sealant is a material applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. The material flows into the pits and grooves in your teeth and then hardens. Once your teeth are covered, food and plaque cannot get in. The sealant forms a barrier against acid attacks. How are sealants applied? Your teeth are cleaned and the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant stick to your teeth. The sealant is painted onto the chewing surface where it bonds to your tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special light is used to help the sealant harden. It usually takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. PREVENTIVE Tooth groove Toothbrush bristle Sealants I Quick Reference Even a toothbrush bristle is too big to reach inside a groove in the tooth (magnified). Chewing surface of a molar before a sealant is applied. Chewing surface of a molar protected by a sealant. W510 W276 Handling Your Child’s Dental Emergency When a dental emergency happens, there’s no time to waste. This handy mini- brochure advises parents on what to do for an avulsed or broken tooth, bitten tongue or lip, object caught between teeth, toothache, or possible broken jaw. Stresses the need for speed when a permanent tooth is knocked out. W147 Mini-brochure 5.875” x 3” 100 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB016 Prices on page 98 Personalized version is a standard-sized 6-panel brochure. PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $35.00 $52.50 2-9 $29.75 $44.65 10+ $26.25 $39.35 Mouthguards and Sports Safety This revised brochure highlights the essential role mouthguards play in helping to prevent mouth and jaw injuries. It covers how to find a guard that fits — including at-home options that earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Plus, reviews how to take care of appliance and considerations for patients with orthodontia. Drives home the point that the best mouthguard is one that fits comfortably and correctly. Includes a list of dental emergency procedures to tear out and save. W510 6 panels, 50 per pack PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $28.00 $42.00 2-9 $23.80 $35.70 10+ $21.00 $31.50 BEST SELLER Sealants Quick Reference Card Easily explain how sealants can protect teeth and prevent decay. This two-sided card says what a sealant is and how it is applied, including before- and-after photos of sealant application. Other decay-prevention tips are also listed. Use the blank lines on the back to add your own message. W276 Two-sided card, 100 per pack PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $35.00 $52.50 2-9 $29.75 $44.65 10+ $26.25 $39.35 Sealants are easy to apply It takes only a few minutes for your dentist to seal each tooth. These are the steps your dentist may use to put sealants on your teeth: 1. Your tooth is cleaned and the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant materials stick to your tooth. 2. The sealant is painted onto the chewing surface where it bonds to your tooth and hardens. 3. A special light may be used to help the sealant harden. Sealants are smooth and you can’t feel them on your teeth. They are usually clear or white and can’t be seen when you smile or talk. Sealants can last several years Sealants usually last several years before they need to be replaced. Over time, sealants can come off, which means they may not protect the teeth as well. Chewing on ice or hard foods can also break down sealants. During regular dental visits, your dentist will check your sealants and reapply them if needed. SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY Sealants are safe and effective Research has shown that dental sealants are safe, and they are effective. The American Dental Association recommends that dental sealants are an important step you should take to lower your risk of tooth decay and cavities. If you have any questions, talk to your dentist. You may benefit from sealants at any age Sealants are recommended for children and teenagers, since tooth decay can start soon after teeth come in. But, you never outgrow the chance of tooth decay and cavities, so adults can benefit from sealants, too. A sealant can be placed on a tooth that does not have a cavity in its pits and grooves. If your tooth is stained or has slight decay, your dentist may suggest you get a though other treatment may be necessary. If your tooth has more advanced decay or has a cavity, it will need a filling. Prevention is always better than treatment! Sealants are very useful in preventing decay on the back teeth and can save you money over time. Your dentist can make sealants part of your plan for a healthy mouth. Sealants are not a substitute for cleaning your teeth every day! They only help prevent decay if you stick to your daily oral hygiene routine. Sealants help prevent tooth decay and cavities Your teeth are coated with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. Bacteria turn the sugar in what you eat and drink into acids that can break down the hard, outer layer of teeth, called enamel. Over time, the acid can weaken the enamel and may cause tooth decay, or a hole to form in your tooth’s enamel (cavity). Tooth decay often begins on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These surfaces have pits and grooves where plaque, bacteria and bits of food can get trapped. Just like in the pictures below, toothbrush bristles can’t reach into the pits and grooves, and it makes it hard to keep them clean. Your dentist may recommend dental sealants to keep decay from starting on these chewing surfaces in the pits and grooves. Tooth surface before a sealant is applied Tooth surface protected by a sealant The chewing surfaces of a molar (magnified) have pits and grooves that trap plaque and bits of food. Even a toothbrush bristle is too big to reach inside a groove in the tooth (magnified). Tooth groove Toothbrush bristle Tooth surface before a sealant is applied. Tooth surface protected by a sealant. Dental Sealant Don’t just tell parents about the benefits of sealants — show them! Send parents home with brochures that reinforce your message and use vivid images to illustrate how they prevent cavities. PACKS MEMBER RETAILtooth 1 $28.00 $42.00 2-9 $23.80 $35.70 10+ $21.00 $31.50 BEST SELLER Seal Out Decay Get all the basic facts about sealants in a compact mini-brochure! Show parents how sealants are a vital part of your cavity-fighting strategy. Includes photos of a molar before and after sealant application. Perfect for mailers or health fairs. W191 Mini-brochure, 100 per pack BEST SELLER Dental Sealants: Protecting Teeth, Preventing Decay Explain the important role of sealants in your cavity prevention program. Our brochure shows how sealants work and how they are applied. The sealant photos and time-tested “toothbrush bristle and groove” photo further illustrate the point. Includes additional tips for preventing caries with home care and regular dental visits. W291 English, 6 panels, 50 per pack W223 Spanishsealant, PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB019 Prices on page 98 PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $35.00 $52.50 2-9 $29.75 $44.65 10+ $26.25 $39.35 PATIENT EDUCATION 84 ORDER BY PHONE: 800.947.4746 SAFETY | SEALANTS ORDER ONLINE: ADACATALOG.ORG 85