Preventative
Preventative / Cleanings / Fluoride
Finding a new dentist to provide preventative care, cleanings, and fluoride is no easy feat. This is especially true when you and your family have been with the same dentist for a long time but now must find a new one.
Peak Dental in Irmo, SC is a full-service family dentist offering all the services you would expect. We serve patients from infancy through the senior years and are thrilled to occasionally serve two or three generations from the same family. Whatever oral health service you or your loved one needs, we have you covered.
Preventative Dental Care
Even when you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, use mouthwash, and are careful about what you eat, you should still plan to visit the dentist for preventative care every six months. After a hygienist completes your cleaning, our dentist inspects your teeth, jaws, and gums to determine if any potential oral health conditions exist. If so, we will let you know the planned course of treatment or whether the problem is something we can just observe for a while.
Professional Dental Cleanings
From scraping tartar off teeth with special dental instruments to polishing, flossing, and brushing teeth, visiting one of our dental hygienists on a bi-annual basis is critical. Patients do not have access to the same high-grade equipment we use at Peak Dental, nor can they always reach all their teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss alone.
The cleaning process involves removing plaque and tartar from each tooth before polishing it. These substances form when food breaks down and remains in your mouth. Sometimes, food gets stuck between your teeth, and you cannot see it. In other situations, you may just need to pay a bit more attention to your oral hygiene. Either way, we will make sure your teeth are sparkling clean before you leave our dental practice.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that we need to develop strong tooth enamel and to prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, we do not consume enough of it from food and drink. For this reason, some food and product manufacturers have added fluoride to their products. You might be surprised to find fluoride in all these places:
- Foams
- Gels
- Lozenges and other oral supplements
- Mouth rinses
- Toothpaste
Dentists are especially concerned that children receive enough fluoride to strengthen their newly developing teeth. Fluoride can help to reduce the effects of a diet high in sugar as well as prevent cavities and remineralize teeth.
Children should receive fluoride treatments from the dentist until at least age 12. The process is simple and takes approximately five minutes to complete. Our dentist applies fluoride to the back teeth to form a seal that keeps decay from penetrating it. Your child may say that it feels like our dentist painted something on their teeth. Fluoride treatments cause no discomfort and require no down time for recovery.
Why Molar Teeth Are Ideal for Fluoride Treatments
The back four teeth, known as molars, can be difficult for even adults to keep clean. These teeth are difficult to reach and have grooves on the sides and tops that can make cleaning them extra challenging. Forming a protective seal on top of each molar tooth gives your child an extra advantage when it comes to fighting tooth decay.
Has it been more than six months since we have seen you or a family member? Please schedule an appointment for preventative treatment, cleaning, or fluoride treatment today.
Sealants
When it comes to maintaining good oral health, prevention is often the key to a beautiful and trouble-free smile. Dental sealants are a valuable tool in this regard, offering an effective way to protect your teeth from the risk of decay. In this article, we’ll explore what dental sealants are, how they work, and why they should be a part of your oral care routine.
Understanding Dental Sealants:
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from a plastic material. They are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. These areas are susceptible to cavities because they have grooves and pits that can trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean properly.
How Dental Sealants Work
- Preparation: Applying dental sealants is a straightforward and painless process. Your dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning the teeth that will receive the sealants.
- Application: Once the teeth are clean and dry, your dentist will apply a gel on the chewing surfaces to create a rough texture. This texture helps the sealant bond securely to the tooth.
- Sealant Placement: The dental sealant is then carefully painted onto the prepared tooth surface. It bonds to the enamel and hardens quickly, forming a protective shield.
- Curing: In some cases, a special curing light may be used to help the sealant harden and set.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Cavity Prevention: Dental sealants create a physical barrier that prevents food particles, bacteria, and acid from coming into direct contact with your tooth enamel. This reduces the risk of cavities.
- Painless Procedure: Applying dental sealants is painless and doesn’t require drilling or anesthesia.
- Cost-Effective: Preventing cavities with sealants is more cost-effective than treating them with fillings or other restorative procedures.
- Long-Lasting: Dental sealants can last for several years with proper care, providing extended protection against cavities.
- Suitable for All Ages: While they are often applied to children and teenagers, adults can also benefit from dental sealants, especially if they have deep grooves in their teeth.
- Improved Oral Health: By reducing the risk of cavities, dental sealants contribute to better overall oral health, preventing the need for more extensive dental work.
Maintenance and Aftercare
- Regular Check-ups: Continue to visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure the sealants are in good condition.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and sealants clean.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods to further protect your teeth.
Dental sealants are a valuable investment in your oral health. They offer a straightforward and effective way to prevent cavities, especially in the hard-to-reach areas of your molars and premolars. By incorporating dental sealants into your oral care routine, you can enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile for years to come. Don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist to see if dental sealants are a suitable option for you or your family members. Remember, prevention is the key to a lifetime of healthy teeth and a confident smile.
