2 Dental Services to Prevent Tooth Decay
Cavities result from the demineralization of tooth enamel that occurs when your teeth are exposed to acid. Oral bacteria release acid as a byproduct of glycolysis, which is their digestive process. As the acid dissolves the minerals in your tooth enamel, cavities form. Even with regular brushing and flossing, some people still develop cavities. Here are two preventive services that your dentist may provide to help keep your teeth from decaying:
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are used to strengthen your teeth. They coat the surface of your teeth and attract calcium and phosphate back to your teeth for remineralization. However, the mineral compound that forms when fluoride combines with the other minerals is called calcium fluorapatite. This mineral is actually harder and more decay resistant than the original tooth material.
In addition, fluoride treatments affect the oral bacteria in your mouth. The presence of fluoride makes the bacteria less acid-tolerant and causes them to stop undergoing glycolysis. As a result, bacterial counts decrease and the amount of acid in the mouth declines since additional acid is not being added from glycolysis.
Your dentist will apply a varnish, foam, or gel fluoride solution. The fluoride is allowed to dry on your teeth so that it is not quickly washed away or diluted. If a foam or gel application is used, your dentist may use a tray to hold the fluoride in place for a few minutes. For varnishes, your dentist paints the fluoride onto your teeth. After the treatment, you spit out the remaining fluoride.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are coatings that are applied to the surface of your teeth to form a barrier between your teeth and decay-causing agents, such as acid. The coatings also fill in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces of your teeth to prevent food and plaque from settling there as easily.
Dental sealants are usually made of resin, which is a type of plastic. The coating wears away over time but can last for years.
Before applying a sealant, your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly and then dry them. After the teeth are dried, a solution is applied to roughen the enamel surface so the sealant will stick. The teeth are rinsed and dried again, and the sealant is applied and permitted to harden.
There are multiple preventive applications that are designed to protect your teeth from decay. Contact a dentist, like one from Ellsworth & Day DDS, for a consultation to determine which preventive services are right for you.
Share