Caring for Your Teeth
Dental Sealants
Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars – the back teeth. Sealants protect the teeth from decay by filling in the grooves, which are prone to accumulating bacteria and food particles and can be hard to clean.
Sealants are only recommended on baby teeth for individuals that are extremely cavity-prone. Sealants are generally considered safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. However, even with sealants, good dental care is still important – brush and floss regularly and see your dentist consistently.
How do we apply sealants?
The process of applying sealants is typically quick and easy. First, the dentist cleans and dries your teeth. Next, the dentist applies the sealant material to the grooves of the tooth. It’s allowed to harden, usually with a special light. Once the sealant has hardened, it forms a protective barrier over the tooth.
More than just brushing
When you get your teeth cleaned at Richmond Dental, we do more than just polish them. We thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup (hard deposits below the gum line), which can lead to the #1 cause of tooth loss among adults – gum disease.
Dental plaque is a living, breathing organism – bacteria. And when it goes unchecked, it can cause significant damage to your teeth and gums. It’s often why your gums are prone to bleeding when you floss only intermittently.
When cleaning your teeth, we remove any buildup that you can’t see and have missed during brushing and flossing. Do you need help brushing and flossing correctly? Our experienced and friendly hygienists are happy to show you how to brush and floss to achieve optimum oral health!
Fluoride
Don your coat of armour – dental armour, that is! Painless and quick, fluoride is one of the easiest treatments we offer at our clinic! During a teeth cleaning procedure here at Richmond Dental, we give you a fluoride varnish. Fluoride helps to protect and harden the enamel of your teeth, making it more resistant to harmful bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay and sensitivity.
DIY: Protecting your tooth enamel at home
To help protect your tooth enamel, day-to-day, remember to rinse and brush your teeth after every meal. This is important especially if you frequently eat or drink foods and beverages that are highly acidic – coffee, cola, candy, and, surprisingly, even pickles!
Yes, our water and some foods get treated with fluoride. But, don’t take that for granted – it’s not enough to protect your teeth from decay. Additionally, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to maintain strong, healthy teeth between your dental visits!