How Dental Exams Can Prevent Tooth Decay

You are likely aware of the recommendations to prevent tooth decay: brush and floss regularly and thoroughly, eat healthy foods, and visit a dentist twice a year. That last item is critical. The dentist not only looks for existing tooth decay but helps you prevent it from occurring in the first place.

How can the dentist help you prevent tooth decay?

Decay occurs when high-carbohydrate foods, such as bread, cake, candy, cereal, fruit, milk, or soda are left on the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth digest these food particles, creating acids that combine with saliva to form plaque that attaches to the teeth. The acids dissolve tooth enamel, creating holes that are called cavities, which creates a problem that only a dentist can fix.

However, dental visits are not just for fixing problems. Regular visits to the dentist can be crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Cleaning

The professional tooth cleaning you receive at the dentist's office is also known as a "scale and polish." This procedure uses professional instruments to remove plaque and tartar, which are the causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

Examination

A regular dental exam is important for detecting problems that you cannot see by looking in the mirror. Dental professionals can spot the onset of dental decay and detect issues beneath the gum line that you may not be aware of. X-rays can highlight hidden areas of decay, especially in small spots between teeth, and help to spot abscesses.

Sealant

Dental sealants are protective plastic coatings applied to the molars to even out the fissures where food particles tend to stick and plaque builds up. Sealants are helpful to prevent cavities for both children and adults. Sealants are applied by cleaning and drying the teeth, then applying a gel that makes the surface more adherent. Then the sealant is brushed onto the tooth, settling into the natural fissures and pits of the molar. Finally, the sealant is hardened and set with a blue light. Application of a sealant when the molars first emerge around age 6 provides a barrier to cavities which, combined with conscientious oral hygiene, can save the cost, inconvenience, and potential pain of tooth decay in the future.

Restorative practices

The purpose of restorative practices in dentistry is to safeguard your teeth and help you keep your natural smile for as many years as possible. There are a number of restorative procedures that your dentist can do to help safeguard your teeth. Fillings, the most common restorative treatment, involve removing decay and filling the tooth with a material such as composite resin, silver amalgam, gold, porcelain, or tooth-colored plastic. Other restorative procedures that safeguard the teeth include:

• Crowns: are placed over the teeth to protect and strengthen
• Bridges: fill the gaps where teeth are missing
• Dental implants: include a metal anchor and false tooth to replace missing teeth