Advancements In Dental Hygiene Treatments

By Tarek Mogharbel, DDS

The basis of sound dental care is routine cleaning and maintenance. Today's dentist will customize cleanings depending on your periodontal (gums and bone) health. If the gums become diseased, then medicated gels along with prescription mouth rinses may be prescribed for the problem areas. Additionally, ultrasonic “scalers” (a device that utilizes sound waves) are sometimes used to make the procedure more comfortable and effective as well.

As for children, sealants should be used as part of a child's total preventive dental care. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars (the back teeth.) Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on those surfaces.

Sealants cover the chewing surfaces to prevent decay. Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure, so it is more comfortable and less traumatic for children. It is an easy three-step process

1) First, the tooth is cleaned with a special toothpaste that removesall debris from the tooth.

2) Next, a special cleansing liquid, on a tiny piece of cotton, is rubbed gently on the tooth and is rinsed off.

3) Finally, the sealant is painted on the tooth. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield.

One sealant application can last for as long as five to ten years. Sealants should be checked regularly, and reapplied if they are no longer in place or erode from the tooth.

Children and adults at a high risk of dental decay may benefit from using additional fluoride products, including dietary supplements, (for children who do not have adequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water), mouth rinses, and professionally applied gels and varnishes.

There are many such remarkable products available on the market today. Be sure to ask your dentist which ones he recommends if you think you are prone to tooth decay. Only a board certified dentist can prescribe some of these treatments.