Fluoride treatment is a powerful way to protect and strengthen tooth enamel, especially for children. By helping to remineralize and resist decay, fluoride keeps teeth strong against the acids in food and plaque. Combined with dental sealants for added protection, these treatments prevent cavities, reduce tooth sensitivity, and promote long-term oral health. Fluoride treatments are quick and effective, usually added to your routine cleaning, while sealants are applied to molars to protect them from decay. These preventive measures save money by reducing the need for more costly dental procedures in the future.
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children. As their adult teeth come in, fluoride helps fight tooth decay through a process called remineralization. Acids from plaque and the foods we eat can wear down enamel, leaching essential minerals from the teeth. Fluoride treatment prevents and reverses this process, strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to decay.
The biting surfaces of molars have deep grooves and fissures that can trap plaque and food particles, making them hard to clean. When children get their new molars, dental sealants can be applied to protect those vulnerable areas and prevent decay. Sealants provide a protective barrier against harmful substances, keeping their natural teeth safe and decay-free.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports the selective use of sealants for both primary and permanent teeth, based on a risk assessment and diagnosis by a dentist. Sealants are an important part of a comprehensive preventive program, which also includes proper nutrition, optimal fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, and regular dental exams.
Tooth enamel is the outer layer of the tooth, while beneath it lies dentin, pulp, and nerves. Dentin supports the tooth but cannot protect the nerve from hot, cold, acidic, or sticky foods. When enamel wears thin, it leaves the dentin exposed, causing sensitivity. Fluoride and sealants help maintain enamel, keeping it strong and protecting the sensitive dentin from irritants.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Fluoride treatments and sealants are relatively low-cost options that help prevent the need for more expensive procedures, such as fillings or root canals, should tooth decay progress.
Worn enamel can continue to decay until a cavity forms. Exposed dentin also increases the risk of infection, which can be painful and may require a root canal to save the tooth. Fluoride treatment rebuilds enamel, and sealants shield problem areas from plaque buildup, helping to prevent decay and even reverse early signs of damage.
Fluoride treatments are usually added on to your child’s routine teeth cleaning and exam once a year. Sealants are applied as needed, usually, after a new molar erupts or if the dentist recognizes a problem area on the biting surface of a tooth.
Fluoride treatments are typically added to your child’s routine teeth cleaning and exam once a year. The fluoride used in our office is stronger than store-bought versions because it is professionally administered. The treatment is usually applied as foam or gel in upper and lower trays, and it only takes a few minutes at the end of the cleaning. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment.
Dental sealants are quick and painless to apply, with no drilling or freezing required. The dentist will first clean and dry the tooth. A mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the tooth surface for a strong bond, then rinsed off. After drying the tooth again, the dentist will apply the sealant into the grooves and use a special blue light to harden it. Once completed, your child’s bite will feel natural and comfortable. Sealants are typically applied after a new molar erupts or if a problem area is identified.
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
