Prevention of dental decay
- Pit and fissure sealants – Sealants are a safe and painless way to prevent
tooth decay. Sealants are applied in the deep fissures and pits of back teeth (molars
and premolars) which have pit and fissures on the chewing surface and are more
susceptible to decay.
In this, a protective barrier is placed on the tooth surface which keeps the tooth safe
from decays.
- Fluoride application – Fluoride is a mineral which increases the strength
of teeth and also prevents decays and can be recommended in both children and adults.
Fluoride gel is applied on trays and then placed on the teeth wherein it forms a strong
layer thereby making the teeth resistant to decays.
- Enameloplasty – In this procedure the deep fissures and fossas are
broadened which prevents food lodgement thereby preventing decay. As a result, during
chewing the food particles are swept away from the surface preventing the possibilities
of decays.
Prevention of crowding of teeth
- Serial extraction – It’s a planned extraction of certain deciduous teeth
and specific permanent teeth to guide the erupting permanent teeth into a favorable
position. This prevents the possibility of crowding in the future. This is usually done
during the age of 8 to 9 years.
- Space maintainers – Space maintainers are custom-made appliances that are
placed to maintain space for the erupting permanent teeth.
In cases of early loss of deciduous teeth, either because of caries, trauma or early
shedding of milk/ primary teeth the space for the upcoming permanent tooth can be lost,
if the posterior teeth move forward.
In order to save this migration of adjacent teeth into this empty space, space
maintainers are given. These are preventive appliances to ensure no complications in the
eruption of teeth.
Who all are benefitted from Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive Dentistry is for all. Starting right from childhood when the teeth are just
emerging to the stage when one might have a chance of losing their teeth or have lost some.
In kids, they help in preventing the teeth from getting decayed and also helps your newly
grown permanent teeth to stay strong and fit. In growing adults, this keeps the permanent
teeth healthy which eventually can be a reason for healthy living.
Because Oral Health is a window to your overall health, therefore, keeping your teeth
protected ensures healthy living and more years to your age.
Best Practices for Healthy Teeth
- Brushing twice a day is the first and foremost step in keeping your teeth healthy, make
it a habit. And ensure that you brush before going to bed as this helps to fight off the
bacteria that stay overnight and can harm your tissues.
- Floss daily. This helps to clean off the particles stuck between your teeth which can be
a reason of cavities. Flossing helps to get rid of these particles making your teeth
healthy.
- Rinse after every meal. This is done to ensure that there isn’t any food particle stuck
on your gums. This keeps your mouth clean which eventually leads to healthy teeth.
- Eat a balanced diet. This will help your teeth to get the required nutrients. Drink
plenty of water and avoid carbonated drinks. Get a diet that includes all the vitamins
and minerals as they are important for your teeth.
- Visit a dentist. Along with practicing the routine mentioned above, visit a dentist to
after every 6 months for a routine check-up. Your dentist will help you to know whether
the practices you are following are good enough or do you need to be extra careful about
your oral health.
Preventive dental visits help in the early management of budding dental problems which is much
less expensive as compared to addressing these problems when they have become worse & need more
aggressive management & correspondingly higher expenses. The cost depends on several factors
especially treatments opted for and your oral condition. You can learn more about them in detail
by visiting any of our dental clinics in India.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1 How often should I get dental check-ups?
Individuals with good oral health can visit a dentist once annually, while patients with a
bad oral health history must visit a dentist every six months to ensure good
Q.2 How often should I bring my child in for a check-up?
It is recommended to visit a dentist every six months to ensure good Oral
hygiene for your children and for early identification of developing infections
or diseases.
Q.3 Is fluoride safe?
Yes, fluoride is completely safe in the quantity it is present in tap water and toothpaste
commonly used. It actually helps in strengthening teeth, maintaining good
Q.4 How can I prevent Gum Disease?
Gum diseases are caused due to poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque formation on the
surface of teeth. It can be prevented by regular brushing, flossing, and healthy eating
habits. Patients experiencing gum infection can visit a dentist for teeth
cleaning which can help in the removal of plaque with ease.
Q.5 Do fissure sealants hurt?
No, fissure sealants do not hurt at all. The procedure is very simple and straightforward
without the usage of anesthesia