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Hygiene
There are different techniques you may utilize to maintain
or reach your optimal oral health.
At our discretion we recommend the following procedures to our patients.
Professional
Prophylaxis –
Referred to, many times as a "prophy" or "cleaning".
A professional "cleaning" by the Hygienist or Dentist should
be periodically done to maintain optimal oral health for adults as
well as children. The length of time between your cleaning visits
is determined by our patients and the Doctor together. Most commonly
recommended is every 6 months, but this may vary from 3 months to
1-year visits, depending on your oral health.
Fluoride – Two types of fluoride exist. They
are topical and systemic.
TOPICAL fluoride is concentrated to about 1% or said another way,
contains approximately 10,000 PPM (which stands for parts per million).
TOPICAL fluoride is absorbed by the tooth directly to more mineralized
and decay resistant. TOPICAL fluoride comes as a gel or rinse; it
is not supposed to be swallowed. If swallowing occurs, an upset stomach
usually results. A TOPICAL fluoride treatment is recommended every
6 months for children up to the age of 14-16. This treatment can and
should be performed in addition to fluoride tablets, which the Doctor
may prescribe for your child, or fluoridated water. The Doctor may
also recommend topical fluoride treatment for Adult patients who are
experiencing excessive decay or tooth and/or root sensitivity.
SYSTEMIC fluoride is often done as a fluoride supplement in the form
of a pill which come in flavors pleasing to children and there are
no side effects such as an upset stomach. Systemic fluoride is helpful
in the development of teeth as the mineralization of the crown and
roots are forming (this being the enamel and dentin). Therefore causing
the teeth to be stronger and hold up better over their entire lifetime.
Systemic fluoride is also sometimes added to the water in many towns
and cities (fluoridated water) in which case the fluoride pill is
not necessary. Therefore we do not recommend prescription fluoride
tablets in conjunction with fluoridated water. We do recommend that
dosage be followed as directed, that being:
.25mg for
ages 0-3 years
.50mg for ages 3-6 years
1mg for ages 6-14 years
None after age 14 years.
Bedford
borough water is fluoridated and Everett borough water is not
fluoridated.
Sealants – A sealant is a technique used to
prevent decay from occurring in the natural groove anatomy of permanent
teeth. A sealant is a resin based or plastic material that is placed
in a flowable form then cured with a high intensity curing light.
The sealed surface inhibits bacterial growth and the smooth surface
makes it easier to keep the teeth clean and because sealants release
fluoride they further mineralize tooth structure preventing decay.
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