Protecting Your Teeth from the Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially great for kids. As their adult teeth start to come in, fluoride works to fight off tooth decay through remineralization. Plaque and the acids in our food can wear down enamel by pulling out essential minerals. Fluoride treatment helps to stop and even reverse this, making enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
The biting surfaces of molars have deep grooves and fissures that can easily trap plaque and food particles, making them hard to clean. When kids get new molars, dental sealants are a great way to keep those surfaces protected. They create a barrier that helps keep out debris, shielding the natural teeth and preventing decay. It’s an effective way to protect those vulnerable areas from damage.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports the careful and selective use of sealants for both baby and permanent teeth based on a dentist’s risk assessment. Sealants are a key part of a comprehensive dental prevention plan, which also includes proper fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, nutritional guidance, and regular dental checkups.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your tooth. Underneath it are the dentin, pulp, and nerve. Dentin supports your tooth’s structure but doesn’t protect the nerve from things like heat, cold, acids, or sticky foods. If your enamel wears down, your teeth can become more sensitive. Fluoride treatments and sealants help keep your enamel strong so it can protect the sensitive dentin beneath.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Worn enamel can lead to continued decay, eventually causing cavities. Besides increased tooth sensitivity, exposed dentin raises the risk of infection, which can be painful and might require a root canal. Fluoride treatments help rebuild enamel and, along with sealants, protect problem areas from plaque build-up. This not only prevents decay but also strengthens your teeth.
Save Money in the Long Run
A little prevention today can save a lot of hassle down the road. Fluoride treatments and sealants are affordable options that can help you avoid the higher costs of treating advanced tooth decay later on.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are usually part of your child’s annual dental cleaning and exam. Sealants are applied as needed, often when a new molar comes in or if the dentist spots a potential issue on the biting surface of a tooth.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we provide is stronger than store-bought options, as it’s administered by our dental professionals. The treatment usually comes in a foam or gel form, applied in upper and lower trays. It only takes a few minutes to apply at the end of a teeth cleaning. For the best results, we ask patients to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is simple and pain-free. There’s no drilling or freezing involved. First, the dentist will clean and dry the tooth. Then, a mild gel is used to make the surface slightly rough for a stronger bond. After rinsing off the gel and drying the tooth, the sealant is gently applied into the grooves. A special blue light is used to harden the sealant. Once finished, your bite will still feel natural and comfortable.
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
Your dentist or hygienist will ask you to wait 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This gives the fluoride time to absorb properly into your tooth enamel.
Yes! Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some sources of drinking water. Scientists discovered its benefits after noticing that communities near naturally fluorinated water had less tooth decay. Since then, fluoride has been added to many water sources and dental care routines worldwide, safely preventing decay for generations.
Dental sealant is applied to the biting surfaces of molars to shield their grooves and fissures, protecting them from decay.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, sealants can last up to 10 years. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed, help maintain them. If they do chip or wear down, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair them.
Yes, both can be beneficial. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of all teeth, while sealants specifically protect the deep grooves in molars from decay. Together, they provide comprehensive protection for your child’s teeth.
Absolutely! While sealants are often used for kids, adults can also benefit from them, especially if their molars have deep grooves or are prone to cavities. Your dentist can assess if sealants are a good option for you.
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