Dental Sealants Maintaining robust oral hygiene is crucial for the health of your teeth and gums, involving daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits for check-ups and cleanings. At Jerome Riddle DDS, we focus on preventive measures to help preserve your natural teeth, emphasizing the importance of prevention over the need for restoration.Tooth DecayTooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, occurs when the outer surface of teeth is damaged by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Despite diligent oral care, tooth decay can still occur, emphasizing the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and intervention. Factors that contribute to tooth decay~Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate, leading to acid production and enamel weakening. ~Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production increases susceptibility to decay. ~Bacteria: Oral bacteria feed on sugars, producing acids that erode enamel. ~Poor Fluoride Exposure: Inadequate fluoride intake or use of fluoridated dental products increases decay risk. ~Dietary Factors: Consuming sugary or starchy foods fuels bacteria, leading to acid production. ~Acidic Foods and Beverages: Acidic foods weaken enamel, making it more prone to decay. ~Genetics: Genetic factors influence enamel composition, affecting decay susceptibility. Prevention of Tooth DecayPrevention is key. Tooth decay can be prevented by:
Dental SealantsWhile brushing and flossing regularly are the most important defender against developing tooth decay, dental sealants come in a close second. Dental sealants consist of a thin coating that the dentist paints over your molars and premolars. These back teeth are larger and often have deep pits and grooves in which food and bacteria can easily linger and hide. By the dentist painting sealants over these little nooks and crannies, the sealants harden and provide a smooth, flat surface, to prevent food, plaque, and bacteria from sticking there. Do You Still Need to Floss with Dental Sealants?Often people ask whether they should floss their teeth when they have sealants on their back teeth. Failing to floss may promote decay of teeth and make your regular dental cleanings longer. This is because the tartar that our dentist scrapes away from the teeth during a regular dental cleaning is hardened plaque. If you skip or fail to floss, you allow the soft plaque that is easier to remove, to start hardening. While plaque trapped in between teeth is easily flossed away, on the flip side, tartar cannot. You will have accumulations continue to increase, meaning a trip to our dental office for cleaning will take you more time to get the job done. Simply said, whether or not you have sealants on your teeth, you should always floss daily. You cannot substitute flossing with sealants and vice versa. Both are essential to maintain healthy teeth and soft tissue, including the gums. Talk to us to find out how flossing and the application of sealants can help you. Call us today at 480-991-4410 to schedule a dental exam. |
