Most people understand that good oral hygiene and regular appointments with the family dentist can stop cavities. The issue is that many people do not understand the importance of visiting the dentist when they already have an excellent oral hygiene routine. The family dentist is a trained professional with many techniques for preventing tooth decay.
Cavities can wreak havoc on the teeth, including possible loss, if not treated promptly. Some of the ways a family dentist can help prevent cavities include:
Plaques are largely responsible for cavities. The sticky substance covers the tooth's surface and comes from the sugar leftover from food. Sugary remnants on the teeth serve as a meal for the bacteria present in the mouth, producing the plaques. Even with regular brushing and flossing, complete removal of plaques is hardly possible.
The plaque leftover soon starts to harden into tartar or calculus. The tartar can become a protective shield for bacteria, which produces acids that slowly break down the tooth enamel and leads to decay and cavities. Brushing cannot clean hardened plaque or tartar – only the dentist can. During the dental appointment, the dentist will use their tools to scrape tartar and plaque off the teeth, preventing the development of decay.
Fluoride remineralizes the enamel, the hard layer that protects the tooth. The remineralization strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to cavities. Fluoride treatment is an excellent option for patients who are prone to developing cavities. The family dentist can provide a fluoride treatment.
The fluoride varnish is applied with a small brush over the top and side of every teeth. The material is sticky but quickly hardens upon exposure to saliva. Patients will feel the varnish on their teeth but cannot lick it off. Fluoride treatment is painless can also be provided in the form of foams and gels.
A dental sealant is a plastic protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars, usually the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities. The molars and premolars have grooves that may be deep and tend to trap food debris easily, leading to decay formation.
The process involves preparing the teeth and applying the liquid dental sealant over them. The family dentist will harden the sealant using a special light. Once the sealant hardens over the teeth, it becomes a hard plastic coating. This will prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck on the teeth; brushing the teeth's surfaces is also easier. Sealants are often recommended for children between ages six and 14.
Regular visits to the family dentist can prevent the occurrence of cavities. The dentist will recommend preventive treatments if they think it will be beneficial. However, you need to know that these treatments do not replace regular brushing and flossing at home. If they discover signs of cavities on the teeth, they will provide restorative options like dental fillings to restore the tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.guymangiadds.com or call Guy Mangia, DDS at (818) 940-0862 for an appointment in our Sherman Oaks office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Sherman Oaks, CA.
Tooth pain is common in individuals of all ages, which makes it a top priority for family dentists to address. Every type of tooth pain is different, however, in general, it is an indicator that something else is wrong. When experiencing tooth pain, it can be helpful to become familiar with what it may mean. Tooth…
Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…
Preventive dentistry goes beyond undergoing dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. Read on to learn how preventive dentistry can protect against various oral health issues. You ensure a lifetime of good oral health and ultimately your general health if you keep those regular checkups. Preventive dental care checkups help you stay proactive in many…
Preventative dentistry involves you keeping your teeth and gums healthy by taking actions that will protect against dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel loss. Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common dental issues that people seek care for, yet both are preventable.Things like daily oral hygiene and teeth…