Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are an effective tool for preventing tooth decay, especially for children. Sealants are made from a clear, plastic-like material and painted onto the surfaces of the teeth. Most often, sealants are applied where the majority of chewing is performed, on the premolars and molars. While regular brushing and flossing is imperative to good dental health, brushing and flossing alone can’t always protect the teeth from decay. Harmful particles can get trapped in the grooves of back teeth, however, sealants can prevent damage from occurring.

Sealant Application 

Sealants are applied by your dental professional following an exam and cleaning. Once teeth are thoroughly clean, they are dried and an absorbent material like cotton is placed around the teeth to absorb excess moisture. The surfaces of teeth are lightly roughed by an acidic solution, which helps the sealant grip the teeth. After being rinsed and dried, teeth are painted with the sealant. Some dentists use a special light to harden and cure the sealant.

Are Sealants Right for You? 

Sealants are commonly applied to children’s teeth to prevent tooth decay. Young teeth are especially susceptible to tooth. Usually, kids between the ages of 6 and 14 are good candidates for sealants. However, children even younger may benefit in some cases. Even some adults are good candidates for sealants, that is, if they don’t have fillings or any current decay. The protective effects of sealants can last 10 years or even longer.

Modern Dentistry in Indianapolis 

At the Indianapolis office of Dr. Richard Stuart, we not only apply sealants but offer comprehensive preventive and cosmetic dentistry services as well. Our Indianapolis dental office provides compassionate dental care from a highly experienced team of oral health professionals. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more in-depth dental service, we can help. From restorations to implants, whitening services to laser dentistry — we do it all!

Get on the path to a healthier, more confident smile today. Don’t delay your dental health — good oral health is imperative to overall wellness. Dr. Stuart and his staff are eager to welcome you to the practice; call 317-660-6223 to schedule your appointment.

What’s Up with Bad Breath?

Halitosis — also known as bad breath — is an embarrassing problem no one wants to have. Bad breath can occur in people of all ages; some people may have more risk factors for bad breath than others. The first step to alleviating this problem is a thorough dental examination. There are a number of oral health issues that can cause or exacerbate bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

There are numerous reasons why bad breath may occur. One of the most obvious is from food. Although smelly foods like onions and garlic can make your breath temporarily smell bad, so can eating too infrequently.  In addition, food particles can get stuck between teeth and decay there — causing a rotten odor.

Another cause of bad breath is dry mouth — a condition caused by certain medications, tobacco use, and aging. Saliva washes away the odor-causing bacteria; when enough saliva isn’t produced the particles can build up and cause the unpleasant smell. Smokers often suffer from bad breath, not only caused by the cigarettes themselves but also the dry mouth that smoking can cause.

In some cases, an underlying medical condition can cause bad breath. Your dentist can determine whether or not a visit to your medical doctor is in order following an examination. Conditions that may affect breath odor include but aren’t limited to sinusitis, respiratory tract infections and kidney or liver problems.

How to Help Prevent Bad Breath at Home

Good oral health habits can help prevent bad breath. In addition to getting regular checkups from a dental professional, it’s important to brush and floss daily. If bad breath is a problem for you, consider adding a tongue scraper to your home care routine. Your dentist can educate you further on caring for your dentition at home; they can recommend which products are best and show you the right techniques for oral health care.

Schedule Your Checkup Today

At the Indianapolis office of Dr. Richard Stuart, every patient is given personalized dental care based on their unique needs. Services offered include not only preventive dentistry such as exams and cleanings, but also cosmetic restorations as well. Schedule your appointment today by calling 317-660-6223. Dr. Stuart and his experienced, friendly staff are waiting to provide you with the superior dental care you deserve!

How Does a Cavity Happen?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth left behind after the removal of tooth decay. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that will build up over time. Culprits to the development of cavities are the absence or lack of proper daily oral hygiene routines, skipping biyearly dental cleaning visits and poor eating habits. Both children and adults are susceptible to the development of cavities.

How a Cavity Develops

Everyone needs food to survive. Unfortunately, the bacteria contained in your mouth also need food — to produce the harmful acids that erode tooth enamel. You’ve probably heard that sugary foods and sweets are bad for your teeth; however, it’s actually any carbohydrate that’s the culprit. Simple carbs known as fermentable carbohydrates are found in foods like bread, crackers, cereal, chips — even bananas. The sugars react with the bacteria and begin to dissolve the protective layer of the teeth.

In its earliest stages, tooth decay manifests with a white spot. At this stage, further damage can be prevented by professional fluoride treatments. If left unchecked, the acids will continue to eat through the tooth enamel — causing lasting damage to the tooth. The only thing left to do at this point is remove the decay and fill the cavity. The longer the problem goes untreated, the more severe it can become; decay can reach all the way to the nerve of the tooth.

Risk Factors for Cavities 

Some people are more likely to get cavities than others. For example, young children are susceptible because their new teeth don’t have strong enamel. Baby bottle tooth decay, as its known, is very common in youngsters and can cause serious cavities within a short period of time.

For adults, cavities are often caused by periodontal disease. Dry mouth and certain medications can cause this problem. Saliva is important because it washes away harmful bacteria and acids, so anything that causes a decrease in saliva production can contribute to tooth decay.

Sometimes, tooth decay occurs underneath fillings, crowns, or other restorations — especially if the restoration is cracked or placed incorrectly.

Cavity Prevention

Regular dental examinations and cleanings can prevent cavities from forming. For patients of all ages, early detection is key. Although home dental care such as regular brushing and flossing is important, only a professional cleaning can remove harmful tartar buildup. In addition, your dentist can protect your teeth with fluoride treatments and sealants — minimizing your risk of developing cavities.

Schedule Your Appointment 

Don’t take your chances with cavities — schedule your appointment with Dr. Richard Stuart today by calling 317-660-6223. Dr. Stuart and his friendly staff are proud to serve Indianapolis; services offered include preventive dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages.