Protecting Your Teeth from the Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children. As adult teeth emerge, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing enamel. Acids from plaque and food can weaken tooth enamel, but fluoride strengthens it, making it more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
Molars have grooves and fissures that can trap plaque and food particles, making them hard to clean. Dental sealants protect these vulnerable areas by forming a shield, helping to prevent decay when new molars come in.
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 a key part of a comprehensive preventive program that also includes proper nutrition, optimal fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is the outer layer of a tooth, while dentin, pulp, and nerve lie beneath. Dentin provides structure but doesn’t protect against hot, cold, or acidic foods. When enamel wears thin, teeth become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants help maintain strong enamel, keeping sensitive dentin protected.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Worn enamel can continue to decay until a cavity forms, leading to tooth sensitivity and potential infection. Exposed dentin increases the risk of infection, which may require a root canal. Fluoride treatment and sealants help rebuild enamel, protect against plaque, and prevent further decay.
Save Money in the Long Run
Fluoride and sealants are cost-effective preventive treatments that help avoid the need for more expensive procedures if tooth decay is left unchecked. Investing in prevention now can save you from costly dental issues later.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically added to your child’s routine teeth cleaning and exam once a year. Sealants are applied as needed, often after a new molar erupts or if the dentist identifies a problem area on the biting surface of a tooth.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we use is more potent than store-bought versions, as it is administered by medical professionals in our office. Our most common fluoride treatment comes in the form of foam or gel placed in upper and lower trays. The application takes just a few minutes after your teeth cleaning, and we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes post-treatment to maximize its benefits.
Dental Sealant Application
Dental sealants are quick, easy, and completely painless to apply. No drilling or freezing is necessary. The dentist will clean and dry the tooth, apply a mild acidic gel to roughen the surface for better bonding, then rinse it off. After drying the tooth, the sealant is applied into the grooves, and a special blue light is used to cure it. Once done, your bite will feel natural and comfortable.
Long-Term Benefits
Both fluoride treatments and dental sealants play a crucial role in preventing future dental issues, such as cavities and decay. By addressing these concerns early, you’re helping to maintain your child’s oral health and potentially avoiding more complex procedures in the future.
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 recommended to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to absorb into your tooth enamel and maximize its effectiveness.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some drinking water sources. Research has shown that people living near fluoridated water sources have less tooth decay. For generations, fluoride has been safely used in dental care to prevent decay and is now added to many water supplies worldwide.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars to act as a protective shield, safeguarding the grooves and fissures from decay.
With regular oral hygiene and checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid acidic foods and drinks, especially before bedtime. If sealants become worn or chipped, they can easily be repaired by your dentist or hygienist.
Fluoride treatments are typically recommended once a year, as part of your child’s routine dental cleaning and exam. However, the frequency may vary depending on your child’s oral health needs. Your dentist will assess their risk of tooth decay and recommend the most appropriate treatment schedule.
Fluoride treatments are safe and well-tolerated by most patients. Side effects are rare but may include mild irritation of the gums or a temporary change in the taste. To maximize the benefits, it’s important to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes following the treatment. Your dentist will ensure that the treatment is applied in a way that is safe and effective for your child’s unique needs.
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