PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Have you heard the saying
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”?
If you want to ensure that your teeth are healthy, the best way to start is by scheduling regular dental visits. For most of our patients, this means an annual exam, followed by a cleaning with one of our hygienists six months later.
During your preventive visit, Dr. Giraldo will examine you for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. She’ll also make recommendations about how to treat any issues she finds, and how to address any issues she finds..
Likewise, your hygienist will also be looking out for these issues when performing your cleanings. If any are found, the hygienist will bring in the dentist to address them right away.
We also offer several treatments that are used to help prevent future tooth decay.
Sealants
To protect your back teeth (also known as your molars) from decay, we may recommend sealants. A sealant is a protective coating made of plastic that’s painted directly onto the chewing surface of the tooth.
The ADA reports that using sealants on molars can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80%.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel on the surface of your teeth, which is what protects against tooth decay.
Fluoride occurs naturally in many sources of drinking water, and many communities—including all of Broward County—treat their water to ensure it meets recommended levels of fluoridation. If you use a toothpaste or mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, it also has fluoride.
If your exam shows that you’re likely to develop cavities in the future, the dentist may suggest applying fluoride directly to your teeth in the form of a gel or a foam. It takes only a few minutes to apply, and afterward you’ll be asked not to eat, drink, or brush for about 30 minutes to ensure the fluoride absorbs correctly.
Routine dental care is a key component of good health.
To take control of your health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrea Giraldo.
