|
Fortunately, you can prevent his chain of events
by having your dentist or dental hygienist apply
a “dental sealant” resin to any teeth that have
these deep fissures and pits. It is a relatively
inexpensive, painless and quick procedure
helping protect the health of your teeth.
Fluoride Treatments
Besides dental sealants, the next best
treatment in preventing tooth decay is the
topical application of fluoride. Fluoride will
remineralize your tooth’s enamel, making it
harder for bacteria to cause cavities. We offer
both in office treatments and take home
treatments in our hygiene program.
Did you know that recent studies show that
water fluoridation reduces dental caries in
permanent teeth by approximately 18 to 40
percent. We all assume that the fluoride we get
from the toothpaste and tap water is adequate
for our needs. This is not always the case. It
is best to consult your dentist if you are a
candidate for additional fluoride. To understand
this topic better, let's find out what fluoride
is and what role it plays for our oral health.
Fluoride occurs in the earth's crust, in
combination with other minerals. A small amount
of fluoride is present naturally in all water
sources. Water fluoridation is the process of
adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a
concentration sufficient to protect against
tooth decay. Just because of a community water
fluoridation, fifty percent of children ages 5
to 17 have never had a cavity in their permanent
teeth.
According to the April 2000 Journal of Dental
Research, the use of fluoride since 1960 has
been the primary factor in saving some $40
billion in oral health care costs in the United
States. The annual cost of community water
fluoridation is approximately $0.50 per person.
The lifetime cost to provide fluoridated water
to one person is less than the cost of a single
dental filling.
Now let's take a moment to find out how
fluoride can benefit everyone including adults?
- Fewer cavities: Fluoride not only
protects your teeth from getting new
cavities but it also helps remineralize
enamel weakened by early cavity development.
- Fluorides also control root surface
decay on exposed roots from gum recession in
adults.
- Controlling and maintaining the gum
disease: Fluorides inhibit the bleeding and
tender gums caused by plaque bacteria and
prevent reinfection after the active gum
treatment.
- Less Sensitivity: Fluorides coat and
insulate sensitive teeth effectively that
occurs from gum recession and natural wear
on teeth.
- Orthodontic, Crown and bridge, implants
and dentures maintenance: Fluorides help
control gingivitis and decalcifications
associated most commonly with braces. It
also prevents recurring decay around the
crowns and bridges, blocks plaque formation
around implants and help control bad breath
and irritation from dentures.
- Side effects from medicines: Many
prescription medications can decrease saliva
flow and increase patient's risk of dental
infection. Fluorides help protect against
decay.
- Post surgical rinse: Fluorides control
bacteria and help tissue heal after surgery.
Please call Smile Plus Cosmetic Dentistry to
make appointment or if have any questions and
needs more details. |
