Dentist in Decatur, Geneva, and Bluffton Indiana - Decatur Dental Services, Inc. - Dental Hygiene information
The basis of sound dental care is routine cleaning and maintenance. We customize
cleanings on the basis of your periodontal, (gums and bone), health. We
utilize medicated gels along with prescription mouth rinses in problem areas
if necessary. Ultrasonic scalers are sometimes used to make the procedure
more comfortable and effective as well.
Sealants should be used as part of a child's total preventive dental care.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing
surfaces of the molars (back teeth). Most tooth decay in children and teens
occurs in these surfaces. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces to prevent
decay. Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure.
It is an easy three-step process: We clean the tooth with a special toothpaste.
A special cleansing liquid, on a tiny piece of cotton, is rubbed gently
on the tooth and is washed off. Finally, the sealant is painted on the tooth.
It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield. One
sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should
be checked regularly, and reapplied if they are no longer in place.
Children and adults at high risk of dental decay may benefit from using
additional fluoride products, including dietary supplements (for children
who do not have adequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water), mouth
rinses, and professionally applied gels and varnishes.