At Mason Dental in Grapevine, we are passionate about preventative dentistry and the dental health of each one of our patients.
The goal of preventative dentistry is to maintain dental health so that no restorative dental work is ever needed. In other words, preventing cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear.
A tool for cavity prevention are dental sealants. Sealants are a thin plastic covering, generally used on the very back teeth. These teeth are especially susceptible to trapped food particles, and at the same time tend to be the hardest ones to brush. The goal of a sealant is to protect a tooth against decay, which is always preferable to filling a cavity.
Despite efforts to keep children’s teeth healthy, many kids develop several cavities during their childhood years. Since the rate of tooth decay often declines with age, if teeth remain intact during childhood, there is a better chance that these teeth can stay healthy for decades.
Fillings, inlays/onlays and crowns do a great job at saving teeth from extraction, but they don’t last forever. When a 10 year-old gets a cavity in a brand-new permanent tooth, that tooth will probably need periodic attention throughout his life – even if no additional decay occurs. Once the enamel has been eaten away by acids, the tooth is forever weakened.
Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings help ensure that teeth are strong and clean and will last a lifetime. Changing your toothbrush every few months and using a toothpaste with fluoride are also vital components of proper oral care.
Children should be taught how to properly brush while young. However, parents should still supervise brushing and go over the teeth after the child brushes. If your child struggles with flossing, a water irrigation tool may be beneficial. Floss picks can also be easier to handle than a string of floss. Traditional flossing done correctly, however, is the most effective way to clean between teeth.
If your dental health is good but you don’t like your smile because of cosmetic issues, give us a call at Mason Dental in Grapevine. We offer cosmetic dentistry, along with general dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.
Contact Mason Dental – Cosmetic & Family Dentistry:
817-481-4717
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
801 W Wall St
Grapevine, Texas
76051
