Teeth are constantly under threat of decay especially with the high levels of sugar contained within our everyday food. Children's teeth and young teenagers with their new adult teeth have to be very cautious with the amount of sugary sweets they may like to consume.
By visiting the dentist at least twice a year we will be able to detect any signs of early tooth decay. But it's not just sweets we need to be concerned about. All kinds of food can get stuck between teeth and within the grooves at the top of the tooth. These grooves are known as fissures and if food settles for too long, bacteria will start to affect the tooth.
Our dentists will be able to identify areas within the mouth where food may get trapped or they will be able to see where brushing and cleaning has missed certain teeth. If there are any reasons for concern our dentists will immediately advise a fissure sealant to help protect a tooth from further deterioration.
The good news is that sealing the fissures of a tooth does not require any drilling. The procedure is not like the application of a filling and the affected tooth may not warrant such an invasive treatment at this stage. A fissure sealant is a relatively straight forward treatment and does not take a long time to complete. The tooth is first cleaned, then dried before a strong resin is applied. Once hardened the tooth is sealed and protected.
After treatment, patients can eat and drink as normal but it is still advisable to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Any repaired teeth must be monitored as well as checking for signs of decay on any other tooth.
If you would like to book an appointment to see our dentist for a check-up, please contact our friendly reception team at North Heath Dental in Erith, Kent.