When Brushing And Flossing Aren’t Enough
Are you concerned that brushing and flossing aren’t doing enough to prevent tooth decay? It’s easy for adults and children to sometimes lapse in their daily dental routine. At your or your family’s regular checkup, we may recommend a fast, effective treatment that can provide an added layer of protection that works alongside your regular dental hygiene routines. Read more to find out about this treatment.
Did you know that despite brushing and flossing, frequent snacking and consuming sugary, starchy foods can promote harmful bacteria in your mouth that lead to tooth decay? Dental sealants are a powerful tool that we use to stop decay from forming cavities in your teeth. Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that we paint onto the surface of molars, the back teeth, to prevent cavities. We use it on the morals because those teeth have grooves where food can get trapped, causing bacteria to thrive and increasing the chances of cavities.
The dental sealant is quick, painless and well worth the few short moments it takes to apply. We usually apply the sealant after a routine cleaning, when we know that the teeth are properly clear of debris and bacteria. The teeth are dried and an acidic gel is first applied to help the sealant adhere. The acidic solution is then rinsed and the teeth are dried again. We then apply the sealant onto the tooth enamel and use a light to cure it.
The sealant can last on your teeth for up to 10 years, giving you lasting protection from cavities. It’s important that you keep up with brushing and flossing as sealants do not replace the need to clean your teeth.
If you would like more information on this effective treatment, please call our Terre Haute office today. Until we see you again, have a great day!
