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Preventative
Services
Preventive dentistry is a five-step approach. Maximum
decay protection and care include:
Brushing and flossing, Fluoride, Sealants, Balanced diet, Regular checkups
What
Are Sealants?
Sealants are a clear, acrylic-like material that helps shield out decay-causing
bacteria from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Once the six-year
molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear, it is best to apply sealants
as soon as possible. As a child's most cavity-prone years continue until
the mid-teens, the pre-molars should also be sealed as they appear
How
Can Sealants Prevent Decay?
Sealant material bonds to the chewing surface of the back teeth, forming
a protective barrier covering the pits and fissures (depressions and grooves)
of the chewing surfaces. Sealants are an intermediate preventive step
in delaying or preventing tooth decay on these areas of back teeth.
Are
Sealants Suitable For All Teeth?
Not really. You see, we apply this material only to the chewing surfaces
of back teeth. Sealants are not meant for areas between back teeth or
front teeth. Also, teeth that already have fillings or detectable decay
are not sealed. Adults may also have sealants placed on the chewing surfaces
of non-restored back teeth.
How
Are Sealants Applied?
We apply sealant material to a clean tooth. First a mild solution is gently
applied to the chewing surface. This prepares the tooth enamel to bond
more effectively to the sealant material. Next, the tooth is thoroughly
washed and dried. Finally, the sealant material is applied to the tooth.
It only takes a few minutes for the sealant to harden. Then we check the
bite. That's all there is to it.
How
Long Do Sealants Last?
Depending on your chewing pattern, the sealant effect can last for a number
of years. At recall appointments we always check to make sure the sealant
material is intact. Chewing on ice cubes, hard candy or sticky foods should
be avoided. Here are some great snack alternatives that combined with
sealants and fluoride, reduce your chances of tooth decay:
- Peanut
butter
- Popcorn
- Fresh
vegetables (carrot sticks, celery stalks)
- Fruit
(unpeeled apples, orange sections, bananas, grapes, raisins)
- Fruit
yogurt
- Dry
(unsweetened) cereal and sugar-free granola
- Cheese
- Sugar-free
popsicles
Are
sealants and fluoride the same thing?
No. Both materials are designed to preserve and prolong the life of your
teeth through prevention of dental decay. Sealants are applied topically
only to certain areas of individual teeth, and are a visible sign that
the tooth is being protected. Fluoride, however may be used effectively
from prenatal stages through the adolescent period ( when kids are at
their highest cavity-prone age).
Unlike sealants, fluoride is supplied in a variety of forms, including:
topical application to your teeth during a routine dental exam and cleaning
(in a gel or solution), drinking water where fluoride has been added,
prescribed nutritional supplements (useful in areas where drinking water
does not contain fluoride), commercially prepared mouth rinses used at
home, numerous toothpastes.
How
Is Fluoride Different?
Fluoride may be used to prevent or reduce dental decay on all teeth, and
is equally effective on primary, as well as permanent teeth. It is absorbed
most effectively in the bones and teeth during the development stages.
Once absorbed and retained in tooth enamel even though it is invisible,
fluoride is permanent. If both fluoride and sealant treatments are indicated
for your teeth, these two procedures are usually done at separate appointments.
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