PREVENTIVE
Fillings
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that is
effective in preventing tooth decay and has been responsible
for a dramatic decrease in cavities over the years.
Fluoride works by strengthening tooth enamel, decreasing
the formation of acids caused by the chemical reaction of
plaque and sugar in the mouth, and contributes to the process
of remineralization of the enamel of teeth commonly found
in the early stages of decay.
The cheapest and most effective way to bring fluoride to
the greatest number of people is through the water supply.
One-part fluoride to a million-parts water is the most effective
concentration. Do not try to add fluoride to your child’s
diet without first consulting your dentist or doctor.
Fluoride in toothpaste has been another very important contributor
to good preventative dental health. Fluoride toothpastes should
not be taken internally and should be rinsed out of the mouth
after brushing. Rinsing daily with fluoride mouth rinses with
a .05% concentration of fluoride are more effective than the
weekly rinses containing a 0.2% concentration.
For those with special needs, fluoride can be applied directly
to teeth by a dentist. Fluoride “varnishes” and
“gels” are particularly effective, easy to apply
and dry quickly.
With fluoride toothpaste, more is definitely not better.
In excessive doses, fluoride can be toxic. Therefore, it’s
important to follow the recommended dose, rinse thoroughly
and not swallow toothpaste.
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Home care
The best dental care in the world is no substitute for proper
daily home care. Good oral hygiene is concerned principally
with keeping teeth clean and plaque-free. Daily brushing and
flossing can do much to prevent cavities and gum disease (gingivitis).
A daily fluoride mouthwash is an added plus. Couple all this
with regular, twice-a-year trips to the dentist and you’re
on the road to good dental health.
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Fissure sealants
Fissure sealants are plastic coatings applied directly to
the chewing surfaces of teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
Because the chewing surfaces of molars are pitted and grooved
with lines and fissures, these areas are particularly difficult
to clean and subject to decay-causing bacteria. A fissure
sealant applied to these irregular surfaces shields them from
plaque buildup.
Fissure sealant is ideal for permanent molars. The best time
to apply a sealant is soon after the tooth has erupted when
the tooth is most susceptible to decay. This is because a
newly erupted tooth is not fully calcified or hardened, and
is therefore more susceptible to tooth decay. Baby teeth are
not usually ideal candidates for treatment.
The process of applying a fissure sealant is fast and painless,
requiring no local unaesthetic. It’s important to remember
that no sealant is forever. Therefore, your dentist should
check every six months and reapply if necessary.
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Fillings
Fillings—or “dental restorations” as they
are called—repair a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring
it back to its normal shape, appearance and function. Timely
repair can prevent tooth loss and restore normal chewing.
Dental restorations are often defined by the name of the
material used to make the repair. For example, “Amalgam
Restoration” refers to the alloy or combination of two
or more metals used to make the filling. Silver fillings,
for example, are made up of mercury, powered silver and tin
mixed and packed into cavities in the teeth. Composite resin,
white filling or plastic filling refer to a mercury-free materials
used in fillings.
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