Easy cavity prevention saves teeth and saves money
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has the ability to strengthen teeth and provide protection from tooth decay. Professional fluoride treatments are the easiest and most cost effective way to prevent cavities for adults and children alike. It is also effective at treating tooth sensitivity, especially along the gumline.
At your dental exam, Dr. Monteiro will evaluate your risk for tooth decay. Based on her findings and your preferences, she will develop a customized cavity prevention routine for you to optimize your oral health.
For those patients who prefer an alternative to fluoride for cavity prevention, we offer fluoride-free MI paste and chlorhexidine varnish, Cervitec, that can help achieve many of the same benefits that fluoride provides.
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a pain-free and non-invasive way to stop a cavity from progressing. We often use this material in our youngest patients who cannot yet cooperate to sit for dental treatment. We also have had success using SDF on our older patients with decay who cannot undergo treatment for medical reasons. It is also an excellent material for our patients with special needs who would otherwise require sedation to complete dental care.
As always, the best cavity prevention involves a healthy diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, meticulous oral hygiene including brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.