Tooth decay can be prevented with the use of
Fluoride therapy
Pit and Fissure sealants
Pit and fissure sealants also known as dental sealants is a type of dental treatment which is done to prevent tooth decay. Everyone has depressions on their biting surface of the back tooth also known as fissures or grooves and cingulum on front tooth. Pit and fissure sealants are applied on these parts to help to prevent it from decay.
Applying the pit and fissure is a simple and a painless technique. In this process a bonding agent is applied to help the sealant to bond with the teeth. Fissure Sealant is then applied on the tooth enamel where it bonds to the tooth directly and then is hardened.
It is rather a very simple and easy process which usually takes 5-45 minutes. It depends upon the number of teeth needed to be sealed. It must be applied properly for good retention because as long as the sealants remain intact the tooth surface will be protected from decay.
Usually it is said that the sealants last upto 10 years but it totally depends on how well you take care of your teeth. They need to be checked out for chipping, wearing away regularly by dentist.
Fluoride helps the tooth to rebuild or re-mineralize those teeth which have weakened tooth enamel. It also helps in reversing the early sign of decay.
Fluoride can be applied using fluoride gel in a tray or fluoride varnish with help of a brusg
The fluoride application is done by firstly painting the liquid on the top and sides of every tooth either by a small brush or using a mouth guard. It is basically sticky in nature but it starts hardening once it comes in contact with the saliva. Once it applied all over your child may start to feel the hardened varnish with their tongue, but don’t worry they won’t be able to lick it off.
The process doesn’t hurt and application only takes a few minutes.
There isn’t any special precautions needed after the fluoride therapy, ask your doctor if your child does need any special care. But in general, your child can eat and drink right after the application but try to give them only soft food items which are either cold or warm. Try to avoid hot food or beverages for 4-6 hours. The other thing your dentist may ask your child is not to brush or floss for the next 4-6 hours and to wait until the next morning.
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