Doing Cavity protection by a dentist is a very essential part of maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay. Dentists use a variety of techniques, treatments, and preventive measures to protect teeth from cavities. Here are some of the most common methods dentists use for cavity protection:
Especially in children, we need to take extra care for Cavity issues, as children eats lot of sweet, candy’s, ice creams. As the holiday season of Diwali is around which share & eat a lot of home made sugar mithai which add-on more cavities in children and elders as well.
We at Credennt Dental Care has a team of highly skilled dental professionals committed to assist you in any kind of cavity issues.
Our recent success story we recently conducted a Fluoride Varnish application on 7yr kid. to avoid and protect milk teeth from cavity exposure.
We use the following methods for cavity treatment:
1. Professional Fluoride Treatments
- How it works: Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Dentists apply high-concentration fluoride treatments during routine check-ups.
- Common treatments: Fluoride varnish, gel, or foam is applied directly to the teeth in a dentist’s office, providing stronger protection than over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste or rinses.
- Benefits: Fluoride can reverse early signs of tooth decay and protect teeth from developing cavities, especially in children and individuals with a higher risk of decay.
2. Dental Sealants
- How it works: A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where most cavities in children and teens occur.
- Application: The sealant bonds into the grooves of the teeth, creating a barrier that protects enamel from plaque and food particles.
- Who needs it: Sealants are especially recommended for children once their permanent molars erupt, but they can also be beneficial for adults prone to cavities.
- Benefits: Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by nearly 80% in molars.
3. Regular Professional Cleanings
- How it works: Professional cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist help to remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate.
- Prevention: By removing hardened plaque (tartar), cleanings prevent the formation of cavities and reduce the risk of gum disease.
- Frequency: Most dentists recommend cleanings every six months, though some patients may need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs.
4. X-rays and Regular Exams
- How it works: X-rays help dentists detect cavities in areas not visible to the naked eye, such as between teeth. Regular dental exams also allow the dentist to spot early signs of decay.
- Benefits: Early detection and treatment of cavities help prevent them from worsening and requiring more extensive procedures like fillings or root canals.
5. Customised Oral Hygiene Advice
- How it works: Dentists provide personalised advice on proper brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene and protect against cavities.
- Recommendations: Dentists may suggest specific products like fluoride toothpaste or recommend adjustments to a patient’s routine based on their oral health needs.
6. Dietary Counselling
- How it works: Diet plays a significant role in cavity prevention. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks increase the risk of decay.
- Advice from dentists: Dentists provide guidance on minimising sugar and acid in the diet and suggest healthy alternatives to reduce the risk of cavities.
- Preventive tip: Drinking water after meals and using sugar-free gum can help neutralise acids and promote saliva production, which protects teeth.
7. Restorative Treatments (Fillings)
- How it works: If a cavity has already formed, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a material like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.
- Benefits: Filling cavities restores the tooth’s integrity and prevents further decay.
- Prevention: Although fillings treat cavities, maintaining good oral hygiene afterward can prevent new cavities from forming.
8. Mouthguard’s for Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- How it works: Teeth grinding can wear down enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
- Dentist’s solution: Custom-fitted mouthguard protect teeth from grinding damage and reduce the risk of decay caused by enamel erosion.
9. Treatment for Dry Mouth
- How it works: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which is essential for neutralising acids and protecting teeth from decay.
- Dentist’s role: Dentists may recommend treatments or products (e.g., saliva substitutes, special mouthwashes) to manage dry mouth and reduce the risk of cavities.
10. Cavity Risk Assessment and Personalised Plans
- How it works: Dentists assess individual risk factors for cavities, such as oral hygiene habits, diet, medical conditions, and family history.
- Personalised care: Based on this assessment, the dentist develops a personalised cavity prevention plan, which may include more frequent fluoride treatments, dietary changes, or the use of specific dental products.