Brushing and Flossing
One of, if not the, most important cornerstones of good oral hygiene is proper brushing and flossing habits. For details on brushing and flossing recommendations and techniques, visit our Brushing & Flossing page.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on teeth and sugars in our everyday diet. Bacteria digest or "eat" sugars and produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. We can fight decay in three ways. We can limit the bacteria in the mouth through good oral hygiene at home and professional hygiene in our office. We can limit the amount of sugar that we eat with a healthy diet. And we can strenghten teeth throught the use of sealants and flourides. When decay does occur dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Severe decay may require a crown. A crown is like a thimble that covers a tooth,making it stronger. Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.
Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.
Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.
Fluoride
In toothpaste flouride kills bacteria on teeth. Fluoride in drinking water becomes incorporated in developing teeth and bones making them stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. In our area, drinking water in Pennsylvania is flouridated. Drinking water in New Jersey is not flouridated. Well water is not flouridated. Children under the age of 12 without flouridated drinking water should take flouride supplements either prescribed by their pediatrician or our office.