Preventive treatments

Teeth cleaning often termed as scaling and polishing by the dentist.

It is a part of oral hygiene which involves the professional cleaning of teeth at dental office to removal of dental plaque from the teeth with the intention of preventing dental decay/caries or gum related disease.

There are often some unreachable areas in the mouth where the tooth brush cannot reach. The procedure involves the use of various instruments or devices which can easily approach those areas hence it loosens and removes the deposits from the teeth.

Everyone needs this professional cleaning at dental office at an interval of every six months. This procedure does not involve the whitening of teeth.

teeth cleaning
diagnostic xrays for early detection

Dental x-rays play a very important role in detecting small dental problems which can become big if ignored. Small x-ray or often called as intra oral periapical (IOPA) can be done at dental clinic which sometimes reveal a small decay happening which is not painful initially and cannot be seen as it often lies between the teeth. These early detection can save you from much more complicated dental problem.

Sometimes a dentist can ask you to get a panoramic view of the entire dentition mostly if he wants to plan a suitable treatment for you or you have multiple problems.

When to ask for an x-ray?
If you there is a continuous food lodgment between the teeth or any sensitive tooth or if your dentist feel to take x ray for any particular problem. A routine dental checkup with the dentist after every 6 months can be helpful.

Fluoride is a mineral that prevent the occurrence of dental caries in teeth supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth . Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth and gums and form a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque produces an acid that erodes teeth and gum tissue. If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the core of the tooth.

Fluoride application is done in the children with the mixed dentition means who have the erupting permanent teeth. Ideally the first application should be done when the first permanent tooth (first molar) starts erupting in the oral cavity. The next application should be done at an interval of 6 months till all the permanent teeth are erupted in the mouth.

A high concentration of gel or foam is applied to the teeth and kept in place for a few minutes. You may be asked to avoid drinking and eating till 30 minutes after the treatment so that the fluoride is absorbed completely. By the application of fluoride the incidence of caries can be avoided to a greater extent.

fluoride application
pits and fissure

Pit and fissure sealants are a safe and painless procedure to protect your child’s tooth from decay. It is a plastic coating which covers the chewing surface of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth hence acting as a barrier.

The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes for each tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard – usually by shining a bright light onto it.

Prevention is better than cure !!!

Have you got a cavity??
A decay in tooth or cavity doesn’t cause you any pain until it reaches the vital part of the tooth –‘pulp’.

It is also better to fill the initial decays happening in the tooth as once a cavity begins it will always proceed and becomes bigger.

The dentist can take a few xrays to confirm the decay in the tooth. Visit a dentist every 6 months to detect any early decay.

early cavity detection

We care for your smile !