
Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children as their adult teeth come in. This treatment strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities through a process called remineralization. Acids from plaque and the foods we eat can erode enamel by stripping away essential minerals. Fluoride not only halts this process but reverses it, making teeth more resistant to future decay.
Dental Sealants
Molars have deep grooves and fissures that can easily trap plaque and food particles, making them harder to clean and more susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants provide a protective barrier, sealing out debris and helping to preserve your child’s natural teeth. By applying sealants when new molars emerge, you can give your child’s teeth an extra line of defense against decay.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports the use of sealants for both primary and permanent teeth based on a dentist’s risk assessment. According to the CDA, sealants are an essential part of a complete preventive dental program, which also includes proper nutrition, fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Beneath the enamel, your teeth are made of dentin, pulp, and nerves. While dentin supports the tooth’s structure, it doesn’t protect the nerve from hot, cold, or acidic foods. When enamel becomes worn or thin, teeth can become more sensitive. Fluoride and sealants help maintain strong enamel, which shields your dentin and reduces tooth sensitivity.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
As enamel wears down, teeth are more prone to decay, eventually leading to cavities. Exposed dentin also increases the risk of infection, which can be painful and may require procedures like a root canal. Fluoride treatment strengthens enamel, while sealants protect vulnerable areas from plaque build-up, helping to prevent and even reverse decay.
Save Money in the Long Run
Investing in preventive care now, like fluoride treatments and sealants, can save you money in the future by reducing the need for more expensive procedures. These treatments are cost-effective and can prevent more serious dental issues down the road.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are simple, effective ways to protect your child’s teeth. Fluoride is typically added during routine cleanings once a year, while sealants are applied as needed—usually after a new molar comes in or when the dentist identifies a potential problem area.
Fluoride Treatment
Our fluoride treatments are stronger than store-bought versions, as they are administered by professionals in our office. The most common fluoride treatment is applied using foam or gel in upper and lower trays, which takes just a few minutes at the end of your child’s cleaning. For the best results, we recommend that patients avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment to allow the fluoride to fully absorb.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or freezing. The process begins with the dentist thoroughly cleaning and drying the tooth. A mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the surface slightly, ensuring a strong bond. After rinsing and drying the tooth, the sealant is carefully pressed into the grooves of the tooth, and a special blue light is used to harden the material. Once done, the tooth should feel completely 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
After fluoride treatment, you’ll be advised to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your enamel and strengthen your teeth effectively.
Yes, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some drinking water sources. It was discovered that people living near these sources experienced less tooth decay. Today, fluoride is safely used worldwide to prevent cavities and has been a key part of dental care for generations.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars, where they act as a protective barrier, shielding the grooves and fissures from plaque and decay.
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. If they become chipped or worn, your dentist can easily repair them during a routine visit.
For most people, fluoride treatments are recommended once or twice a year during routine dental cleanings. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent treatments if you are prone to cavities.
Yes, fluoride treatments are safe and effective for children. The fluoride used by dentists is applied in controlled amounts, and professional treatments are an excellent way to protect developing teeth from decay.
