A fluoride treatment is a concentrated fluoride gel, foam or varnish applied to the teeth in the dental office. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities, tooth decay and plaque buildup. The application takes only a few minutes.
Preventive dentistry in Hanford, CA.
Preventive dentistry is the care that stops dental problems before they start. At Unzicker Dental in Hanford, it includes regular checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants and custom sports mouthguards for patients of every age.
How we approach preventive dentistry.
Good prevention is mostly small habits done consistently: brushing at least twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and seeing a dentist about every six months. Bacteria that cause decay hide between teeth and in grooves where a brush does not reach, which is why flossing and professional cleanings matter.
Our part is to catch what you cannot see or feel, clean what a toothbrush cannot remove, and add protection where a tooth is vulnerable. Prevention matters at every age, from a child getting first molars to an adult protecting dental work that has already been done.
Preventive dentistry services.
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It fills the small cracks and grooves where food and bacteria collect, giving the tooth extra protection against decay.
A sports mouthguard is a flexible appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activity to protect them from impact. A custom mouthguard is made by a dentist from a mold of your teeth, so it fits closely and stays in place.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides preventive dentistry at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
Preventive dentistry: common questions.
What is the single most useful thing I can do for my teeth at home?
Brush for two minutes, twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth once a day. It is not glamorous advice, but nothing else you can buy does as much. Brushing your tongue also removes bacteria and helps with breath.
Which foods are easiest on teeth?
Snacks that are low in sugar and do not stick to teeth are the kindest choices: raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and fresh fruit. What matters most is how often teeth are exposed to sugar, so sipping sweet drinks all afternoon does more damage than a dessert with dinner.
Is preventive care worth it if nothing hurts?
Yes. Cavities and gum disease are usually painless in their early stages, which is exactly when they are simplest to treat. A checkup about every six months gives us the chance to find small problems early and keep them small.
Your next visit starts with a conversation.
Request a time online or call us. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.