A family dentist spends most of their time performing preventative treatments that keep you and your loved one’s mouths healthy. The American Dental Association recommends getting preventative treatments like teeth cleanings at least twice a year. The data shows that it is an effective way to prevent the two most common dental issues: tooth decay and gum disease.
Many people wonder how a family dentist can protect their teeth and gums. Here are a few of the preventative treatments that dentists often perform.
Teeth cleaning treatments are used to remove plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces. Plaque is the sticky film that forms in the mouth after meals, and it contains bacteria and the acids that they make. Plaque causes the sticky feeling in one’s mouth after getting up in the morning or after a nap.
Plaque turns into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day. While plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing teeth, tartar is too hard to eliminate with either method. A dentist uses a scaler to get rid of it during teeth cleaning treatments. Tartar also contains bacteria and the acids that they make, and it serves as a haven for bacteria to make those acids.
Tartar can build up on teeth roots and gum pockets, infecting gum tissues. The infection is known as gum disease, and it occurs in two stages. Gingivitis, the first stage, can be reversed with teeth cleaning treatments and improved oral hygiene, while periodontitis, the advanced stage, is a chronic infection.
Teeth cleaning can also improve the way that teeth look because gum disease can give the teeth a yellow tint and make them more prone to staining. Most stains on teeth form on tartar deposits. Remove the deposit and the stain goes away.
These treatments can be used to reverse the demineralization stage of tooth decay and protect against tooth decay in general. Infusing teeth with fluoride strengthens the enamel, reducing the risk of chips and breaks.
The procedure involves pouring a fluoride solution or gel into a mouth tray and asking the patient to bite down on it for about a minute. It can protect teeth from decay for up to four months.
Dental sealants are made from composites made from mixtures of plastic and glass. The composite is painted on the biting surfaces of teeth, preventing oral bacteria and acids from getting to the area. The procedure protects teeth from tooth decay, and it is typically recommended for molars at the back of the mouth. These are typically the most challenging set of teeth to clean, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay.
Dental sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to five years. Follow-up treatments can be applied as needed to maintain the protection.
Preventative treatments help keep your mouth healthy and can save you money in the long run. Call or visit our Ashburn clinic to set up an appointment with our family dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 945-1285 for an appointment in our Ashburn office.
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