Protecting Your Teeth from the Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are a great way to keep teeth strong, especially for kids. As adult teeth come in, fluoride helps fight tooth decay by strengthening the enamel. It works through a process called remineralization, which restores essential minerals that can be worn away by acids from plaque and food. This makes teeth tougher and more resistant to cavities.
Dental Sealants
Molars can be tricky—they have lots of grooves and crevices where food and plaque like to hide. That’s where dental sealants come in! Sealants act like a shield, covering those hard-to-clean spots and protecting teeth from decay. They’re especially helpful for kids when their new molars come in, keeping their smiles healthy and strong.
These simple treatments give teeth the extra protection they need to stay healthy and cavity-free.
Why Choose Sealants and Fluoride?
Sealants and fluoride treatments are simple, effective ways to protect your teeth and maintain oral health. Backed by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), they are key components of a comprehensive preventive care plan, which also includes good oral hygiene, proper fluoride exposure, regular dental exams, and healthy eating habits. Here’s why they matter:
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Your tooth’s enamel is its first line of defence, protecting the sensitive inner layers like dentin, pulp, and nerve from heat, cold, and acidic or sticky foods. When enamel wears down, teeth become more sensitive. Fluoride strengthens enamel, while sealants shield problem areas, keeping your teeth comfortable and protected.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Thin or damaged enamel can lead to cavities and expose dentin, increasing the risk of painful infections that may require treatments like root canals. Fluoride rebuilds enamel, while sealants protect vulnerable areas from plaque buildup, helping to prevent decay and keep your teeth strong.
Save Money in the Long Run
Prevention is always more affordable than treatment. Fluoride and sealants are cost-effective solutions that help avoid expensive dental procedures by stopping decay before it becomes a bigger problem. Investing in sealants and fluoride now means healthier teeth, less sensitivity, and fewer dental issues in the future. It’s a simple step toward long-term oral health and savings.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments and sealants are simple, effective, and non-invasive ways to protect teeth from decay. Fluoride is typically part of your child’s annual dental cleaning and exam, while sealants are applied as needed, often after a new molar erupts or when a dentist identifies a vulnerable area.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments at our office are stronger than store-bought products, ensuring maximum protection for your teeth. Most commonly, fluoride is applied as a foam or gel in a tray that fits over the upper and lower teeth. The application takes just a few minutes at the end of a cleaning, and patients are asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward to allow the fluoride to fully absorb and strengthen the enamel.
Dental Sealant Application
Sealants are quick, painless, and require no drilling or freezing. The dentist begins by cleaning and drying the tooth. A mild acidic gel is applied briefly to roughen the surface for a strong bond. After rinsing and drying the tooth, the sealant is pressed into the grooves and hardened with a special blue light. Once cured, the sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier that feels completely natural and shields the tooth from decay. Both treatments are designed to be easy, effective, and comfortable, providing your child with long-lasting protection for a healthier smile.
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 before eating or drinking after fluoride treatment. This brief waiting period allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel, maximizing its protective benefits.
Absolutely! Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some drinking water sources. Scientists discovered its dental benefits when they observed that people near fluoridated water sources experienced less tooth decay. Today, fluoride is widely used in drinking water and dental care to safely prevent cavities. Generations of people around the world have benefited from its protective properties.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars to protect the deep grooves and fissures where food particles and plaque often collect. Acting as a shield, sealants help prevent decay and keep these vulnerable areas safe.
With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups help maintain their effectiveness. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed, can also extend their lifespan. If a sealant becomes chipped or worn, it can be easily repaired by your dentist or hygienist.