Why are dental sealants important?

Dr. Tokiko Poppe of Cosmos Dentistry is a Bellevue, Washington area dentist available to help new and returning patients with their oral health and wellness. She does this by offering a wide selection of services to combat conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Our providers are available to help patients choose preventative care options, including dental sealants.

How do dental sealants protect the smile?

Dental sealants are one of many types of preventative care services that can be used to help protect teeth from decay. They are typically applied onto the back teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. The sealant is a clear or white plastic material applied to the teeth’ chewing surfaces. It acts as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting into the tiny crevices in the teeth and causing decay.

Ways in which dental sealants are used:

  • Dental sealants for sensitive teeth. For some patients, dental sealants may be a great way to protect the smile from discomfort due to sensitive teeth. The sealant offers an extra layer to the natural tooth enamel to strengthen the enamel and thicken it for less discomfort when enjoying hot or cold foods or beverages.
  • Dental sealants to protect teeth from decay. Most of our patients use dental sealants to protect their teeth from cavities. The sealants can smooth the chewing surfaces of the molars, where crevices are often perfect for food to become stuck and contribute to tooth decay. If you have deeper grooves in your teeth or are susceptible to cavities, our team may suggest dental sealants for you.
  • Dental sealants for children. Because children are learning how to brush their teeth and may not be as thorough as their parents or older siblings, dental sealants are an excellent choice for these little ones. It is one preventative measure that can reduce the risk of cavities if children are not brushing correctly.

Request a visit with our team at Cosmos Dentistry today!

Schedule an appointment with our dental office if you think dental sealants may suit you or your family members! Call (425) 448-4770 to request time with Dr. Tokiko Poppe and her team at 1515 116th Ave NE, Suite #301.

Dr. Poppe Sitting

Dr. Tokiko Poppe

Dr. Tokiko Poppe graduated from the University of the Pacific's Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She has received extensive training in all aspects of dentistry and was involved in craniofacial research and studies on cleft lip and palate in school.

Dr. Poppe also completed a General Practice Residency in California, where she cared for medically-compromised adults at Veterans Hospital and children under general anesthesia at the University Medical Center. She is a member of the ADA, AAGO, AAPMD, WSDA, SKCD, AGD, American Laser Study, TBI Ambassadors, and AMR advanced program. She has completed Spear Education which dentists pursue to learn complex restorative dentistry. Dr. Poppe is also an osteopathic-trained dentist, having learned the whole-body approach from osteopathic physicians. She follows continuing education to stay abreast of the latest dental trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her community.

She also holds a Japanese dental license and speaks Japanese and English.