The secret to a healthy smile lies in taking care of your teeth. To keep your teeth healthy you need to protect them and for that, you need dental preventive materials. Dental preventive materials are tools and products used to prevent oral dental diseases such as cavities and decay. These include fluoride gels, toothbrushes, mouthwash, dental floss, mouth guards, and sealants. These materials work by strengthening the enamel, reducing acid in the mouth, and preventing bacteria that cause decay.
In this article, we’ll discuss different types of dental preventive materials explaining what they are and how they work. We’ll see how you can reduce the risk of cavities and decay by incorporating these materials into your routine.
What are Dental Preventive Materials?
Dental preventive materials include products and tools designed to help maintain oral health and prevent Dental Care issues before they arise. Now what is meant by before they arise? If you brush your teeth daily with good toothpaste use mouthwash and dental floss they will protect your mouth. They’ll prevent harmful bacteria that cause gum diseases. In this way, you’ll protect your teeth and also save yourself from the need for costly restorative treatments in the future. They are used:
- To prevent caries or pathogens
- To prevent tooth decay
- To prevent disease and injury
Fluoride Based Products
Fluorine is a mineral naturally found in many foods and water. It has proved to be very effective in preventing cavities. Fluoride works by remineralizing and strengthening the tooth enamel. It also prevents tooth decay by disrupting the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Let’s take a look at the different forms of fluoride-based products and common preventive dental materials examples:
Gels
Fluoride gels are fluoride treatments with higher concentrations of fluoride. These dental protective materials contain more fluoride as compared to regular toothpaste. You might need fluoride gels if you have weak enamel or dry mouth. Fluoride gels provide extra protection against cavities. But remember consumption of fluoride in large quantities can be dangerous. That’s why is important to use these products under the supervision of a dentist.
Varnish
Fluoride varnish is a sticky, resin-based coating that’s painted directly onto your teeth. It sticks to the enamel and releases fluoride over time. This treatment is especially popular for kids at risk of early cavities. It’s also suitable for adults with weakened enamel or sensitivity.
Tooth Brush
We all know how important it is to brush twice a day. It is the first line of defense against cavities. It removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Choosing the right toothbrush is very important for proper protection. Always opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles as hard ones can damage your gums. Also, make sure the handle is easy to grip. Using dental preventive materials such as fluoride toothpaste combined with a toothbrush can prevent oral diseases.
Brushing Tips
Brushing with a proper technique is the key to a healthy smile. Here are brushing tips for you:
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes.
- Brush gently in a circular motion.
- Do not forget to brush your tongue.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is one of the dental preventive materials in liquid form used to rinse the mouth. It contains some active ingredients like fluoride or antimicrobial agents. Mouthwash prevents oral health issues and also freshens up breath. But remember mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. It maintains fresh breath and boosts oral hygiene.
Benefits of Mouthwash
Here are some benefits that mouthwash offers:
- It freshens your breath by removing odor-causing germs.
- It reduces harmful bacteria that cause plaque and prevents gum disease.
- Fluoride-based mouthwash helps remineralize teeth.
- It cleans hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush and floss might miss.
How to Use Mouthwash?
Here are tips for using mouthwash:
- Swish 20ml for 30-60 seconds after brushing or flossing then spit it out.
- Do not swallow mouthwash.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after use.
Dental Floss
Floss is a thin and soft thread designed to clean between teeth. There are tight spaces between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria are stuck between these spaces. Flossing removes these trapped materials preventing buildup that leads to cavities. Here are forms of dental floss:
- Waxed Floss / Unwaxed Floss
- Bonded/ Non bonded floss
- Thick/ Thin
- Multifilament-twisted/ Non twisted
Method of Flossing
Follow these steps to floss properly:
- Take 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your fingers.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it into a “C” shape around each tooth.
- Move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth to remove plaque and debris.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.
Disadvantages of Floss
- It is time-consuming.
- It requires skill.
- It carries the risk of tissue damage if not used properly.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards, also known as mouth protectors are worn over teeth to prevent injuries. They’re dental preventive materials made from soft, durable materials like silicone or plastic.
Types of Mouth Guards
Let’s look at different types of mouthguards:
- Custom-Made Mouth Guards: This type of guard is made by your dentist for the best fit, comfort, and protection. They prevent tooth fracture and protect opposite teeth from contact with each other.
- Stock Mouth Guards: These are pre-made and ready to wear. Stock mouthguards are cheap but bulky and uncomfortable. They provide limited protection and poor fit.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: These are also known as mouth-formed protectors. They are made from thermoplastic material. These are softened in hot water and then inserted into the mouth.
Benefits of Mouth Guard
Let’s look at some advantages of mouthguards:
- It shields teeth from chips, cracks, or knockouts during contact sports.
- Protects soft tissues like lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts.
- It reduces the risk of TMJ disorder.
- It also protects braces, wires, or other dental appliances during sports or physical activities.
- Mouthguards reduce snoring.
Pit and Fissure Sealants
Back teeth like molars or premolars have tiny grooves, or pits and fissures. Food and bacteria get trapped in these leading to cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings filled between these grooves. These dental preventive materials create a smooth surface that’s easier to clean.
Benefits of Pit and Fissure Sealants
Here are some benefits of pit and fissure sealants:
- Applying sealants reduces the risk of risk of decay in hard-to-clean areas.
- They’re an affordable way to avoid costly fillings or crowns.
- The entire process of applying pit and fissure sealants takes a few minutes per tooth.
- Once applied sealants act as a physical barrier, preventing food and bacteria from settling into the grooves of your teeth.
- With proper care, sealants can last for several years.
Conclusion
Dental preventive materials play a very crucial role in keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Common preventive dental materials include toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, fluoride-based products, mouth guards, and pit and fissure sealants. These materials protect your teeth from decay and gum disease. Along with these advanced dental restoration materials from trusted brands like Aidite, can maintain long-term oral health. By combining daily hygiene with trusted clinical innovations from Aidite, you can achieve protection against decay, fractures, and costly future treatments.