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Oral Preventive Treatment and Care

Preventive measures for oral health can be taken in ways such - as seeing the dentist and dental hygienist for your regular exams and cleanings, receiving fluoride treatments, and having sealants placed on your teeth. 

Pit and Fissure Sealants

What is the purpose of a sealant ?
  • To provide a physical barrier​ to "seal off" the pit or fissure.
  • Prevent oral bacteria and their nutrients from collecting within a pit or fissure to create the acid environment necessary for the initiation of dental caries. 
  • The goal is to fill the pit or fissure as deep as possible and provide tight smooth margins at the junction with the enamel surface. 
(Wilkins, 2017, page 620)
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How do you know if you're a good candidate for receiving sealants?
  • If you are any age and at risk for developing dental caries (cavities) possibly due to the following:
    • Xerostomia (dry mouth) from medications or other reasons.​
    • Undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces)
    • Diet high in sugars.
    • Low socioeconomic status.
    • Inadequate daily oral health care.
    • History of other teeth restorations or have carious lesions (cavities).
  • Children with newly erupted teeth should get a sealant as soon as the tooth is fully erupted. 
(Wilkins, 2017, page 621)
What if my sealant becomes cracked?
  • When a sealant material is cracked or worn away on the surface of the pit or fissure, the sealant in the depth of the micropore can remain and provide continued protection while sealant material is added for repair and to reseal the enamel/ sealant junction.
(Wilkins, 2017, page 620)
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http://raleighncdentistry.com/tag/dental-sealants/

https://www.grdental.com/dental-sealants.html

https://drandrewrossdds.com/childrens-dentist/dental-sealants/

FLUORIDE

USES OF FLUORIDE:

  • Prevention of demineralization (breakdown of the enamel)

  • Reduction of hypersensitivity

  • Reduction of gingivitis

(Wilkins, 2017, page 492)

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https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/clinical-hygiene/article/16350655/deciduous-teeth-myths-and-the-effects-of-parents-on-childhood-oral-hygiene

Mechanism of Action:

  • Stannous:

    • Deposit fluoride ion on enamel.​

    • Tin ion from stannous fluoride interferes with cell metabolism for antimicrobial effect.

  • Sodium - 

    • Deposit of fluoride ion on enamel​

    • Cariostatic: inhibits demineralization and enhances remineralization.

(Wilkins, 2017, page 492)​

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