
Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children. As their adult teeth emerge, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay through a process called remineralisation. Acids from plaque and the foods we eat can weaken tooth enamel by depleting it of essential minerals. Fluoride treatment halts and reverses this process, strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves and fissures that can easily trap food particles or acidic plaque, making them harder to clean. When children develop new molars, dental sealants can be applied to shield these vulnerable areas. Sealants provide a protective barrier, helping to preserve natural teeth and prevent decay.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) advocates for the thoughtful and selective application of sealants on both primary and permanent teeth, guided by a dentist’s assessment of risk and diagnosis. As stated by the CDA, sealants play a vital role in a comprehensive preventive care plan that includes proper nutrition, adequate fluoride exposure, effective oral hygiene, and routine dental check-ups.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is the tooth’s outermost protective layer, while the inner structure consists of dentin, pulp, and nerve tissue. Although dentin supports the tooth’s framework, it cannot shield the nerve from temperature changes, acidic foods, or sticky substances. When enamel becomes worn or thin, teeth can become increasingly sensitive. Fluoride and sealants work together to strengthen and preserve enamel, keeping your teeth protected from discomfort and external factors.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
When enamel becomes worn, it can lead to further decay, eventually forming a cavity. Beyond causing sensitivity, exposed dentin increases the risk of painful infections that may require root canal treatment to save the tooth. Fluoride strengthens teeth by rebuilding enamel, while sealants protect vulnerable areas, preventing plaque build-up and decay.
Save Money Over Time
Preventive measures today can save you from costly treatments in the future. Fluoride and sealants are affordable solutions that protect your teeth, reducing the need for expensive restorative procedures later on.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically added to your child’s annual teeth cleaning and exam. Sealants, on the other hand, are applied as needed, often when a new molar erupts or if the dentist identifies an issue on a tooth’s biting surface.
Fluoride Treatment
Enamel is the tooth’s outermost protective layer, while the inner structure consists of dentin, pulp, and nerve tissue. Although dentin supports the tooth’s framework, it cannot shield the nerve from temperature changes, acidic foods, or sticky substances. When enamel becomes worn or thin, teeth can become increasingly sensitive. Fluoride and sealants work together to strengthen and preserve enamel, keeping your teeth protected from discomfort and external factors.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and doesn’t require drilling or freezing. The dentist begins by thoroughly cleaning and drying the tooth. Next, a mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the tooth’s surface slightly, ensuring a strong bond. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off, the tooth is dried again, and the sealant is carefully applied into the grooves of the tooth. A special curing light is then used to harden the sealant. Once completed, your bite will feel 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
Your dentist or hygienist will recommend waiting 30 minutes after fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel and work effectively.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. In fact, small amounts of fluoride can be found in some natural water sources. Scientists first discovered its benefits when they observed that people living near fluoridated water sources had less tooth decay. Since then, fluoride has been added to water supplies and dental care routines to prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments have been safely and effectively reducing tooth decay worldwide for generations.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars to protect the grooves and fissures of teeth. They act as a barrier, shielding these vulnerable areas from decay.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Regular brushing and flossing, along with avoiding acidic foods and drinks—especially before bed—can help extend their lifespan. If a sealant becomes chipped or worn, it can easily be repaired by a dentist or hygienist.
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