Protecting your teeth from the very start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children. As adult teeth emerge, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay through a process called remineralization. Plaque acids and foods we consume can deplete essential minerals from tooth enamel, weakening it over time. Fluoride reverses this process by restoring those minerals, making enamel stronger and more resistant to cavities.
Dental Sealants
Molars are particularly prone to decay because their grooves and fissures can trap plaque and food particles, making them difficult to clean. Dental sealants provide an added layer of protection for these vulnerable surfaces. When children get new molars, sealants can be applied to shield their teeth, keeping decay and plaque buildup at bay while preserving their natural smile.
Early prevention with fluoride treatments and sealants helps children maintain healthy, strong teeth as they grow.
Why opt for sealants and fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) endorses the selective use of dental sealants for both primary and permanent teeth based on a dentist’s risk assessment and diagnosis. Sealants are part of a comprehensive preventive approach, alongside nutritional counselling, optimal fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups. Here’s why these treatments are worth considering:
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth. Beneath it lies dentin, which supports the tooth structure but doesn’t shield the tooth’s nerve from external stimuli like heat, cold, or acidic foods. When enamel becomes thin or worn, teeth can become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants help maintain strong enamel, keeping your teeth comfortable and protected from sensitivity triggers.
Prevent and reverse decay
Thin enamel and exposed dentin make teeth more vulnerable to decay and infection, which can lead to painful issues like cavities or even the need for a root canal. Fluoride treatments strengthen and rebuild enamel, while sealants shield vulnerable areas from plaque and bacteria. Together, they help prevent decay and promote stronger, healthier teeth.
Save money in the long run
Preventive care is always more cost-effective than treating dental problems after they arise. Fluoride treatments and sealants are affordable options that can help you avoid more expensive procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, by stopping decay before it starts. Sealants and fluoride treatments offer long-term benefits, ensuring your teeth remain strong, healthy, and protected while saving you from unnecessary discomfort and expenses.
The fluoridation and sealant process
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are simple, effective ways to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Fluoride treatments are typically included during routine cleanings once a year, while sealants are applied as needed, often when new molars emerge or if a dentist identifies a vulnerable area.
Fluoride treatment
Professional fluoride treatments are much stronger than over-the-counter products and are administered safely in our office. The most common method involves foam or gel applied in trays that fit over the upper and lower teeth. The application takes just a few minutes at the end of your cleaning appointment. For optimal results, patients are asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after treatment.
Dental sealant application
Applying dental sealants is a quick, painless procedure with no drilling or freezing required. The process starts with cleaning and drying the tooth. A mild acidic gel is then applied to roughen the surface slightly, ensuring a strong bond. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the dentist places the sealant into the grooves of the tooth and uses a special curing light to harden it. The sealant provides protection without affecting your bite, keeping it 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 a fluoride treatment, your dentist or hygienist will ask you to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel, maximizing its protective and strengthening benefits.
Yes, fluoride treatment is completely safe. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some sources of drinking water. Scientists discovered its dental benefits after noticing that communities with fluoridated water experienced less tooth decay. Since then, fluoride has become a key part of public health initiatives and dental care routines worldwide. For generations, it has been used safely and effectively to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.
Dental sealant is a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of molars. It acts as a shield, sealing the grooves and fissures of teeth to protect them from plaque, food particles, and decay.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding acidic foods and drinks, particularly before bedtime, help prolong their lifespan. If a sealant becomes chipped or worn, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair it during your next visit.
Both fluoride treatments and sealants are reliable ways to keep your teeth healthy and protected for years to come!