Do whitening toothpastes really work?
Sometimes our patients feel that their smile is looking a little dull or discoloured and wonder if whitening toothpaste could help. So, do whitening toothpastes really work?
At Elgin Corners Dental in Surrey, we offer dental sealants and fluoride which are two supplementary decay prevention aids, most often prescribed for children.
Fluoride
Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay.
Although most people get fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of fluoride treatments for the following reasons:
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Inadequate exposure to fluorides
- Inadequate saliva flow
- Recent history of dental decay
Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay!
It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary snacks, and visit your South Surrey Dentist on a regular basis.
Sealants
A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
Reasons for sealants:
- Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
- Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.
- Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.
What do sealants involve?
Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth.
The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry.
A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth.
The teeth are then rinsed and dried.
Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions.
Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will either harden automatically or with a special curing light.
