Prevention is the key to protecting community oral health. With routine recall exams and cleanings we can help keep our teeth and gums healthy.
Protecting child’s teeth and gums from disease by –
Caries (tooth decay) usually develops in the deep pits and grooves of molars. Dental sealants act as a barrier and prevent the bacterial penetration in deep grooves and prevent the most sensitive areas of the tooth from decay. The grooves of the healthy permanent teeth (1st molars) are covered with sealants. We recommend sealing molars right after eruption. The procedure is simple, fast and painless.
Qualitatively, sealants protected teeth have decreased decay efficacy by 80-90% and provides function for several years.
Routine Oral hygiene practices are simple, cheap and efficient to prevent children's teeth from decay. However, despite teaching and emphasizing routine practices the effectiveness is inadequate and requires continuous monitoring and improvements. Professional hygiene practices thus come into importance on semi-annual to annual basis and prevent the deciduous dentition from decay.
The process involves :-
Fluoride is a mineral element that plays an essential role in caries prevention and bacterial inhibition.
Fluoride when absorbed in the enamel converts to a highly resistant fluoro-appatite which acts like a concrete barrier to enamel dissolution and decay. It further alters the bacterial enzymes rendering them harmless in the degradation process. Thus in order to maximize protection of teeth from decay, it is recommended to repeat fluoride applications periodically.
Canadian Dental Association, American Dental Association and Alberta Health Services all recommend fluoride applications as the most inexpensive, accessible and effective early childhood caries preventive measure.
