Protecting Your Teeth from the Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is especially beneficial for children as their adult teeth emerge. It helps combat decay through remineralization, restoring essential minerals lost to acids from plaque and food. This process strengthens enamel, making teeth more resistant to cavities.
Dental Sealants
Molars have deep grooves that easily trap plaque and food, making them prone to decay. Dental sealants provide a protective barrier, preventing buildup and keeping teeth cleaner. When applied early, sealants help preserve natural teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.
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 individual risk assessments. Sealants and fluoride are key parts of preventive dental care, along with good oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and regular dental exams.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is the outer protective layer of the tooth, but underneath lies dentin, which can’t shield the tooth’s nerve from heat, cold, or acidic foods. When enamel wears down, teeth become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants help maintain enamel strength, protecting against discomfort and irritation.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Without protection, worn enamel can lead to cavities and infection, sometimes requiring a root canal. Fluoride restores weakened enamel, while sealants create a protective shield, preventing plaque buildup and reducing the risk of decay.
Save Money in the Long Run
Preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants are cost-effective solutions that help avoid expensive dental procedures. By protecting teeth early, you reduce the risk of cavities and the need for more complex treatments in the future.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically included in your child’s routine dental cleaning and exam once a year. Sealants are applied as needed, usually after a new molar erupts or when the dentist identifies a cavity-prone area on the biting surface of a tooth.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we use is stronger than over-the-counter options because it is professionally administered in our office. The most common fluoride treatment is applied as a foam or gel in upper and lower trays and takes just a few minutes at the end of a cleaning. For maximum benefits, patients should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after treatment.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is a simple, painless process that requires no drilling or freezing. The dentist will carefully clean and dry the tooth before applying a mild acidic gel to create a slightly rough surface for a stronger bond. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the sealant is applied into the grooves and hardened with a special blue light.
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 recommend waiting 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your enamel, strengthening your teeth and maximizing its protective benefits.
Yes! Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in certain water sources. Scientists discovered its benefits when they noticed that people living near fluoride-rich water had lower rates of tooth decay. Since then, fluoride has been added to drinking water and dental treatments to help prevent cavities worldwide.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars, creating a protective shield over deep grooves and fissures to prevent cavities and decay.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper oral care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help maintain their effectiveness. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks before bed can also extend their lifespan. If a sealant becomes chipped or worn, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair it.
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