Even
though dental decay has been dramatically reduced over the past 20
years, almost 50 percent of North Carolina's schoolchildren still
have tooth decay. Tooth decay can be further reduced by oral health
education, effective brushing and flossing routines, and the appropriate
use of fluorides and protective dental sealants.
Fluoride is a
mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, even the oceans.
Fluoride is effective in preventing and reversing the early signs
of dental caries (tooth decay). Fluoride makes the tooth structure
stronger, so teeth are more resistant to acid attacks. Acid is formed
when the bacteria in plaque break down sugars and carbohydrates from
the diet. Repeated acid attacks break down the tooth, which causes
cavities. Fluoride also acts to repair, or remineralize, areas in
which acid attacks have already begun. The remineralization effect
of fluoride is important because it reverses the early decay process
as well as creating a tooth surface that is more resistant to decay.
Fluoride is obtained in
two forms: topical and systemic. Topical fluorides strengthen teeth
already present in the mouth making them more decay-resistant. Topical
fluorides include toothpastes, mouthrinses and professionally applied
fluoride therapies.
Systemic fluorides
are those that are ingested into the body and become incorporated
into forming tooth structures. Systemic fluorides can also give topical
protection because fluoride is present in saliva, which continually
bathes the teeth. Systemic fluorides include water fluoridation or
dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges.
Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride treatment that helps prevent
tooth decay in young children. It is highly effective, easy to apply
and economical. The fluoride is absorbed into the tooth surface and
makes the enamel harder and more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride
varnish is an effective treatment to prevent tooth decay for children
who are at high risk for tooth decay. It is particularly useful for
treating very young children, the handicapped, and otherwise difficult
patients. Fluoride varnish should be put on the teeth every six months
starting as soon as the child has teeth. Fluoride varnish has been
widely used as a preventive treatment in Europe, Scandinavia, and
Canada for over 25 years. The UNC-CH School of Dentistry and the American
Dental Association recommend fluoride varnish as a preventive treatment
for tooth decay.
Applying fluoride
varnish to teeth is a simple process, but must be applied by trained
professionals. After teeth are cleaned and dried, a thin layer of
the caramel colored fluoride varnish is painted on the teeth, drying
almost immediately. The varnish leaves a protective coating of fluoride
which remains on the teeth until brushed or wiped away by the parent,
usually after the recommended 24 hours. Putting on the fluoride varnish
does not hurt and takes only a few minutes.
The NC
Oral Health Section is proud to be a partner in the Into
the Mouths of Babes oral screening and fluoride varnish program.
Into the Mouths of Babes
trains and assists medical professionals who provide oral preventive
care, including fluoride varnish applications, to the youngest Medicaid-covered
children.
A dental
sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces
of back teeth (molars), where most decay occurs. The chewing surface
of a molar has natural pits and grooves that can trap plaque and food
particles in a way that routine brushing cannot remove. This will
cause decay to start in the pits and grooves. Sealants prevent decay
and save the structure of the natural tooth by filling in the pits
and grooves and leaving a smooth surface that is easy to clean with
normal brushing.
It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the molars
have erupted*,
before the teeth have a chance to develop decay. Sealants can be clear,
white, or slightly tinted and cannot be seen when a child talks or
smiles. Getting sealants is a painless process that only takes minutes.
One sealant application can last up to 10 years with proper care.
Proper care includes regular brushing and flossing and a healthy diet,
low in sweets. Dental sealants should be checked regularly by your
dentist.
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