Preventive Treatments That Protect Your Tooth Enamel

You may already be brushing and flossing regularly. Nevertheless, your teeth may still need additional protection. 

Your dentist provides multiple preventive treatments that help protect your tooth enamel. Here are a few of them. 

Dental sealants are plastic coverings that are applied to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from decay. The molars are the most cavity-prone teeth.

The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are deeply grooved. As a result, plaque and particles of food may settle in the pits and fissures.

Dental plaque is a combination of bacteria, food, and biofilm. The microbes in the sticky substance feed on simple carbohydrates and release acids as byproducts of their digestive processes.

The bacterial acids cause tooth decay by dissolving the minerals that make up the tooth enamel. To damage the tooth material, the acids must make contact with it.

Sealants form barriers that prevent the acids from coming in direct contact with the tooth enamel. These barriers are considered permanent and remain in place for many years.

The sealant application is a quick, painless procedure. The dentist applies an acidic solution to the chewing surfaces to make the enamel less smooth so the sealants bond more easily to the tooth material. Next, the dentist cleans and dries the teeth before painting the sealants onto the enamel. To harden the coatings, the dentist may apply a curing light.

Fluoride can be used to remineralize your tooth enamel and lessen your likelihood of decay. Although you may regularly receive fluoride through your drinking water and diet, you can also receive topical fluoride treatments. People who are at high risk of decay may receive several fluoride treatments each year.

When your dentist provides a topical fluoride treatment, they place the product directly on the tooth enamel. The fluoride that dental providers use may be applied as a foam, gel, or varnish.

Like dental sealant applications, fluoride treatments are painless. The selected product is allowed to rest on your teeth for a few moments before the dentist rinses your mouth. Once the treatment is complete, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a half hour or so, but after that period, you can enjoy your usual foods and beverages.

Nightguards help protect the tooth enamel from bruxism-related damage. Bruxism is the grinding of the teeth that frequently occurs at night.

Nevertheless, many people don't realize that they suffer from bruxism until their dentist notices signs of the condition during their dental exams. Signs of bruxism include flattened chewing surfaces, enamel erosion, dental sensitivity, and soft tissue damage to the inner cheeks.

Dentists prescribe nightguards to absorb the force of the grinding and provide a barrier between the teeth of the upper and lower palates. To ensure that the guards fit comfortably in the mouth, they are created from impressions or molds of the oral cavity.

The customized devices can help prevent further damage to the teeth. Without adequate tooth protection, the force of the grinding can cause the tooth material to chip or crack. Additionally, patients with bruxism may suffer from chronic headaches and jaw pain.

Since bruxism often occurs as a person sleeps, patients may not know when a grinding episode is taking place. Thus, once the condition is diagnosed, patients should be sure to wear their mouthguards every night.

To learn more ways to protect your tooth enamel, contact Calm Waters Dentistry to schedule a consultation.