The aim of preventive dentistry is to help you improve and maintain your long-term oral health through working with your dentist. This approach means that where possible, invasive treatment, for example, fillings, is kept to a minimum. The ultimate benefit of preventive dentistry is that it can considerably reduce gum disease and decay, which are both significant factors in tooth loss and general health.
"Sealing" teeth
"Sealing" the teeth is a procedure that prevents the development of tooth decay. It is recommended for children and teenagers but older people may also benefit from the use of tooth sealant. More and more adult patients with healthy teeth undergo the procedure as a preventive measure for the future. Dental sealant "seals" the pits and fissures of the back teeth to shield these areas from bacteria that feed on sugar and produce acid that demineralises tooth enamel. "Sealing" teeth is a fairly simple procedure. The dentist requires only a few minutes per tooth. Dentist cleans the teeth about to be sealed then roughens the chewing surface with an acid solution. This solution helps the sealant stick to the tooth. Next, the dentist dries the tooth. Finally, he "paints" the sealant onto the tooth enamel. The sealant bonds to the tooth and hardens. A curing light is used to speed up the hardening process.
Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride is an important agent that can help make the tooth surface harder and help prevent cavities. Tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth. When fluoride is used in small amounts on a routine basis it helps to prevent tooth decay. It supports "remineralization" that strengthens the weak areas on the teeth. These weak areas are the beginning of cavity formation. Fluoride is safe and highly effective at cavity prevention when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene. Both topical and ingested fluoride is important to healthy teeth. Only small amounts of fluoride are necessary to prevent tooth decay.
Many children can benefit from fluoride varnish, especially young children with special needs, those with an established history of previous dental decay, children who wear orthodontic hardware, and children with conditions that cause dry mouth. The younger the child is when the varnish is applied to primary teeth, the better-usually as soon as the front teeth erupt in the mouth. Varnish is most effective if done 2-3 times per year.
Services 