Our team at The Tooth & Gum Dental Clinic emphasizes the priority of preventive dentistry. This is because preventive treatments reduce oral healthcare costs. Also, this will improve the health of teeth.
Two popular methods for strengthening teeth and preventing infection and decay are fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
These non-invasive treatments, help strengthen teeth by enhancing tooth structure so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot penetrate the outer surfaces of teeth.
Fluoride treatment helps strengthens tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the outer structure of teeth. Enamel protects softer internal structures like dentin from the bacteria that cause caries.
Tooth enamel is made of minerals, and is actually the toughest substance in the human body. Unfortunately, exposure to acid causes the stripping of enamel (of its mineralized content) and thus leaves teeth vulnerable to decay.
Fluoride treatment is a powerful fluoride mineral coating that helps attract other minerals to enamel, which in turn, helps replenish weakened tooth enamel. By strengthening tooth enamel, fluoride prevents the incidence of tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments are applied to the teeth in a flavored gel or varnish
Another method for preventing tooth decay. Teeth might have deep grooves and fissures, which are perfect spots for bacteria and debris to collect.
Certain teeth such as molars are more susceptible to developing cavities than others.
The dental sealant fills in these pits and grooves of teeth with a plastic compound that bacteria cannot penetrate.
The process is non-invasive and quick.
First, the biting surfaces of teeth are painted with liquid material. This material is then cured with a hardening light, allowing a sealant to ultimately serve as a barrier between cavity-causing bacteria and the tooth.
Our team is here to help you and your family enjoy vibrant oral health for years to come. To learn more about preventive services or to schedule an appointment, call our dental practice today.