Wednesday, May 2, 2012





Your teeth have to last a lifetime, so it’s important to make sure that you keep them strong and healthy. Some people are genetically predisposed to cavities, while others have a harder time properly cleaning their teeth. In these cases, a general dentist might recommend sealant and/or fluoride treatments.


Fluoride Treatments
A fluoride dental treatment is generally prescribed to children in order to strengthen tooth enamel, but this treatment has proven to be effective for adults as well. During the treatment, fluoride is applied to the teeth topically. Your children’s dentist may prescribe a slow-release fluoride device instead. Fluoride is a common ingredient is toothpaste, and it can also be found in unfiltered tap water. It is an important mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel, preventing hot and cold sensitivity, weak spots, and cavity development. If you want to increase the amount of fluoride your teeth are getting without treatment, look for it in certain mouth washes, varnishes, and dietary supplements. If you notice white spots, active decay, or increased sensitivity, then you may be a candidate for fluoride treatment.


Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a durable, plastic film that is painted on to the surface of the chewing teeth to prevent food particles from getting stuck in the crevices. Dentists often see tooth decay in the narrow pits and grooves of newly formed molars in children. Therefore, dental sealants are highly beneficial for children who have a hard time thoroughly cleaning their teeth. Dental sealants, however, can benefit people of all ages. Some adults can’t reach their back teeth or don’t have a brush that adequately cleans the teeth’s grooves, which allows for the development of tooth decay. Sealants act like a shield over the crevices and block food and bacteria from getting down into the tooth indentations.

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