Preventive Applications That Help You Maintain Your Dental Health
Posted on: 9 July 2019
Dental professionals advise that you receive preventive care at least twice annually. Your dentist uses preventive applications to help you maintain the health of your teeth. Here are a few of these services.
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning removes tartar from your teeth. The hard, yellow substance is actually plaque that has calcified. Plaque develops as bacteria and food particles mix. It is a soft, sticky substance, but it hardens into tartar after about a day of remaining in place. Tartar tends to build up between the teeth and along the gum line. This buildup may be substantial if you don't floss regularly.
In addition, tartar is porous, allowing the accumulation of plaque and microbes in the material. The bacteria in the tartar continue to release acid as they feed on carbohydrates left in the mouth from your previous meals and snacks. The acid causes tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Although the removal of plaque only requires a toothbrush, tartar must be scraped from the teeth. Dental providers use a scaler that safely scrapes the substance away without harming the tooth enamel.
Sealants
Dental sealants from a barrier against decay-causing acids. As a result, when bacterial acids are released, they don't make direct contact with the tooth material.
Sealants are made of plastic and are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are prone to decay because of their deep grooves. Plaque settles into the grooves. As the bacteria in the plaque produce acid, the tooth material is demineralized, forming weak spots and eventually cavities.
The sealants offer decay protection as long as they remain in place. The application usually lasts several years. However, if a sealant becomes damaged, your dentist can reapply it.
The application process is simple. To prepare the teeth for the sealants, the dental professional dries the tooth surface and roughens it with an etching solution. The roughened tooth material bonds with the sealants more readily.
The sealants are then applied in a liquid state, filling the grooves of the molars. Some sealants harden on their own. However, a bright light may be applied to aid in the hardening process.
Fluoride Treatments
A concentrated application of fluoride can also help prevent decay. The fluoride aids in the remineralization of the teeth. The teeth are coated with the professional fluoride product, allowing the enamel to absorb the fluoride before the product is rinsed from the mouth.
To learn more about preventive services, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area.
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