Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
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.
Dental Sealants
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.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
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.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
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.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
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.
Save Money in the Long Run
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.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
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 Treatment
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 Sealant Application
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.
Contact us today
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
After fluoride treatment, it’s important to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel and maximize its benefits.
Yes, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some sources of drinking water. Studies have shown that people who live near fluoridated water sources have less tooth decay. Fluoride has been safely used for generations to prevent dental decay through water fluoridation and dental care treatments.
Dental sealants are bonded to the biting surfaces of molars to protect the grooves and fissures from decay, acting as a shield to prevent plaque buildup and protect vulnerable areas.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with avoiding acidic food and drinks, especially before bed, will help maintain sealant effectiveness. If sealants become chipped or worn, they can be easily repaired by your dentist or hygienist.
Fluoride treatments are generally recommended once a year during routine dental checkups, especially for children at higher risk of tooth decay.
Yes, dental sealants can be applied to adult teeth, especially the molars, to protect them from decay and preserve their health.
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