Some patients need more help in the fight against tooth decay. Professional dental cleanings are of great value in keeping your teeth healthy, but Dr. Lee also offers two other lines of defense against cavities: fluoride and sealants.
Many patients, especially the elderly, face physical limitations that prevent them from cleaning their teeth thoroughly. Conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease may make it difficult for a patient to hold a toothbrush or manipulate floss between teeth. Older patients also experience gum recession as a natural part of aging, which exposes the tooth roots. This part of the tooth is not protected by enamel like the tooth crowns and will experience decay if exposed to acidic substances. Dry mouth is another condition commonly seen in senior patients, often due to chronic medical conditions and the medications used to treat them. Without sufficient saliva production to neutralize acids and protect the teeth, patients will suffer from dental caries.
Tooth enamel is under constant attack by acids produced by bacteria, but fluoride is a mineral that can help reverse the effects of these corrosive acids. Fluoride helps remineralize, or strengthen, tooth enamel. A professional fluoride treatment provides a stronger dose of fluoride than what is found in toothpastes and drinking water and can only be administered by your dentist. Fluoride treatments from your Coppell dentist may take the form of a rinse or a varnish, and Dr. Lee will instruct you on when you can resume normal eating and brushing habits after your treatment.
The molars, which contain depressions that easily collect food debris and bacteria, are especially prone to developing cavities. Dental sealants are physical barriers placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect them from enamel wear and decay. Made from a plastic material, sealants are painted onto the teeth in a liquid form and then hardened by a special curing light. Sealants can protect your teeth for five to ten years, and they naturally wear away over time. They do not, however, protect tooth areas that they do not cover, so make sure that you maintain good oral hygiene at home, receive regular professional cleanings, and obtain fluoride treatments as recommended by your Coppell dentist.
To experience the benefits of modern general dentistry and prosthodontics in Coppell, TX, contact Dr. Heeje Lee at (972) 315-0811. Evergreen Dental welcomes patients from Coppell, Lewisville, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Irving, and the nearby communities.