Teeth cleaning often termed as scaling and polishing by the dentist.
It is a part of oral hygiene which involves the professional cleaning of
teeth at dental office to removal of dental plaque from the teeth with
the intention of preventing dental decay/caries or gum related disease.
There are often some unreachable areas in the mouth where the tooth
brush cannot reach. The procedure involves the use of various
instruments or devices which can easily approach those areas hence it
loosens and removes the deposits from the teeth.
Everyone needs this professional cleaning at dental office at an interval
of every six months.
This procedure does not involve the whitening of teeth.
Dental x-rays play a very important role in detecting small dental
problems which can become big if ignored.
Small x-ray or often called as intra oral periapical (IOPA) can be done at
dental clinic which sometimes reveal a small decay happening which is
not painful initially and cannot be seen as it often lies between the
teeth.
These early detection can save you from much more complicated
dental problem.
Sometimes a dentist can ask you to get a panoramic view of the entire
dentition mostly if he wants to plan a suitable treatment for you or you have multiple problems.
When to ask for an x-ray?
If you there is a continuous food lodgment between the teeth or any
sensitive tooth or if your dentist feel to take x ray for any particular
problem.
A routine dental checkup with the dentist after every 6 months can be
helpful.
Fluoride is a mineral that prevent the occurrence of dental caries in
teeth supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm
teeth . Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing
dental caries, or cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth
and gums and form a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque produces an acid
that erodes teeth and gum tissue. If the plaque breaks down the
enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the
core of the tooth.
Fluoride application is done in the children with the mixed dentition
means who have the erupting permanent teeth. Ideally the first
application should be done when the first permanent tooth (first molar)
starts erupting in the oral cavity. The next application should be done at
an interval of 6 months till all the permanent teeth are erupted in the
mouth.
A high concentration of gel or foam is applied to the teeth and kept in
place for a few minutes. You may be asked to avoid drinking and eating
till 30 minutes after the treatment so that the fluoride is absorbed
completely.
By the application of fluoride the incidence of caries can be avoided to
a greater extent.
Pit and fissure sealants are a safe and painless procedure to protect
your child’s tooth from decay. It is a plastic coating which covers the
chewing surface of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that
keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth
hence acting as a barrier.
The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few
minutes for each tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with
a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and
allowed to set hard – usually by shining a bright light onto it.
Prevention is better than cure !!!
Have you got a cavity??
A decay in tooth or cavity doesn’t cause you
any pain until it reaches the vital part of the tooth –‘pulp’.
It is also better to fill the initial decays happening in the tooth as once a
cavity begins it will always proceed and becomes bigger.
The dentist can take a few xrays to confirm the decay in the tooth. Visit a dentist every 6 months to detect any early decay.
