Preventative Dental Care
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Ely Community Health Center currently offers free preventative dental services which include:
Appointment is required for dental services Tuesday - Thursday 11am - 4pm |
Preventative dental services are provided by a volunteer registered dental hygienist who works in collaboration with area dentists. |
Fluoride Varnish Treatments
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Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities for people of all ages. It is also very effective in reducing tooth sensitivity due to gum recession and loss of enamel. What is fluoride varnish? Fluoride varnish is similar to the fluoride gel that is applied during your cleaning visit using special trays. In contrast, fluoride varnish will stay on the teeth for a few hours which multiplies its effectiveness. It will “wash off” after 4-6 hours by design as it is exposed to food, liquids, as well as the forces of the teeth and your jaw. This type of fluoride varnish can be applied to the entire mouth in about 2 minutes. It can be an economical way to treat sensitivity in adults and provides an additional tool that protects the teeth from cavities and sensitivity. Please follow these instructions following your fluoride varnish treatment. Fluoride varnish will remain on your teeth for approximately 4 to 6 hours. Please follow the guidelines below during that time only: • Do not brush or floss. • Avoid hot beverages. • Avoid hard or crunchy foods. • Avoid products containing alcohol. • Avoid other “over the counter” fluoride items such as toothpastes, gels, and rinses. A thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth (after the six hours window) will remove any remaining traces of your fluoride varnish. |
