REGULAR CLEANING

Most patients need their teeth cleaned about every six months. Since some patients build up plaque quicker or have other factors affecting their oral health, our hygienist might suggest a cleaning every 3 to 4 months. For your convenience, we are happy to hold an appointment for you 6 months in advance. If your schedule is such that you can't plan that far in advance, we will send a reminder card at the appropriate time. (See Hygiene on this website for a complete explanation of the different levels of cleaning.)

SEALANTS

It is very difficult for children to keep the deep grooves and depressions in their back teeth clean from food and a build-up of bacteria. Thorough brushing and flossing help clean the smooth surfaces of teeth, but toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88% of total cavities in American school children could be prevented by sealants.

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. A sealant can last for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Drinking water treated with fluoride as well as brushing and flossing regularly ensures a significantly lower incidence of cavities. Dr. Martin suggests that if your primary source of drinking water comes from bottled water, you may want to consider another source of fluoride, such as ACT rinse, or a fluoride containing multivitamin, since you will not be getting fluoride from the tap water.

Children ages 4 to 14 regularly get a fluoride treatment twice a year in our office. This should be augmented with chewable fluoride bearing vitamins. Adults with a high incidence of decay can sometimes benefit from a fluoride treatment. Babies should be given liquid multivitamins that include fluoride. Maintaining a healthy mouth includes twice-daily brushing with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

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