K Bhagwandin
- WHAT ARE FLUORIDES AND FISSURE SEALANTS ?
FLUORIDE – plays an important role in protecting teeth from decay -usually found in toothpaste. Its main contribution is to remineralize enamel and prevent tooth decay.
FISSURE SEALANTS-are a protective layer applied to molars/premolars to prevent tooth decay.
- WHAT ARE THE USES?
Fluoride prevents decay by strengthening enamel(outer layer of tooth) and disrupting the growth of bacteria which cause cavities.
Fissure sealants act as a protective layer. Molars and premolars -made up of pits and fissures which are tiny hole/grooves which occur naturally in your teeth-these are more susceptible to food trap and more difficult to clean therefore a protective layer flowable resin is placed to prevent decay.
- BENEFITS
Fluoride-restores lost minerals from tooth surface and strengthens teeth
Stop growth of harmful bacteria
Fissure sealants – protect teeth from decay from a very young age
4.APPLICATIONS
Fluoride is available in most toothpaste-safe concentrations -should be used twice a day
Fluoride can also be professionally applied by a dental professional in the form of gel/varnish-usually done with a cleaning/polish.
5.WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU TAKE KIDS TO DENTIST
It’s always advisable to take your kids to dentist a very young age -to do routine check ups and polishing therefore they associate the dentist as a happy place rather than fear or pain
REFERENCES
1.FLUROSIS-CLEVELANDCLINIC-https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-fissure-sealants
2.DENTAL FISSURE SEALNTS -HEATHLINE DIRECT-
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23227-fluorosis