If you want to give your dental health a boost, then there are two preventive treatments which you can ask your dentist about and opt for – fluoride treatments and dental sealants. These preventive treatments are aimed at preventing the onset of dental caries. So what are these things really all about?
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral which helps to strengthen the enamel layer of your teeth. In the past, fluoride was not yet included in public water systems and this caused rampant cases of tooth decay. However, after a trial run, water fluoridation became instated and dentists everywhere have recorded diminishing cases of dental caries.
How exactly does fluoride help with your dental health? The first thing which fluoride does is it strengthens the enamel layer of your teeth. The enamel is the outer layer which protects the sensitive dentin and pulp regions. Because it’s the exterior, cavities first develop in this region. Hence, thicker and stronger enamel slows down the formation of cavities. At the same time, fluoride initiates the re-mineralization of enamel crystals to reverse the process of cavity formation.
Fluoride treatments come in the form of fluoride rinses and are often given to teenagers and adults who are at high risk for the development of cavities. If you aren’t drinking water straight from the tap, then you should purchase dental hygiene products which contain adequate amounts of fluoride to protect your dental enamel. If you’re planning to use anything with fluoride to clean your baby’s teeth, make sure to consult your dentist first since excessive exposure to fluoride can also cause stains on the surface of your child’s permanent teeth in the form of dental fluorosis.
Dental Sealants
This procedure involves the painting on of a liquid protective coating on the biting surfaces of your teeth. This will prevent acids and other substances that can induce erosion from directly wreaking havoc on the outer enamel and causing cavities. In essence, the liquid protective coating dries up and forms a barrier in between your teeth and cavity-causing bacteria.
Dental sealants are suitable for children aged 4 to 17. At those ages, their consumption for sugars and anything acidic is still uncurbed and chances are that they aren’t brushing their teeth the way they should and as often as they should. However, dental sealants only slow down the process of cavity formation but it does not immune a person from dental caries.
Image Courtesy Pinterest
Get Social