Protecting Your Teeth From The Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are particularly beneficial for children. As their adult teeth emerge, fluoride helps to combat tooth decay through a process known as remineralization. This is crucial because acids from plaque and the foods we consume can degrade tooth enamel by stripping away vital minerals. By applying fluoride, we can halt and reverse this process, strengthening the enamel and enhancing its resistance to decay.
Dental Sealants
The tops of molars are full of grooves and dips that can trap bits of food and acidic plaque—stuff that’s really tough to clean out. When kids get their new molars, applying a dental sealant can block out all that gunk, safeguard their natural teeth, and help prevent decay. Essentially, dental sealants act like a protective shield for those vulnerable spots.
Why Opt For Sealants And Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association really backs the use of sealants, but only when they’re the right choice for both baby and adult teeth, based on what your dentist thinks after a good look. According to the CDA, sealants are pretty important in a full-on preventive dental plan. This includes getting the right advice on what to eat, the proper amount of fluoride, keeping up with brushing and flossing, and not skipping those regular dental check-ups.
Reducing Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel is your tooth’s outer layer, protecting the underlying dentin, pulp, and nerve. Dentin supports your tooth but can’t shield the nerve from extreme temperatures or harsh foods. If the enamel wears down, your teeth may become sensitive. Using fluoride and sealants helps maintain strong enamel, safeguarding your teeth against sensitivity.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
When enamel wears down, it can lead to decay and eventually a cavity. This not only causes sensitivity but also exposes the dentin, increasing the risk of painful infections that might require a root canal to save the tooth. Using fluoride treatments to rebuild enamel and shielding susceptible areas from plaque buildup can prevent decay and strengthen your teeth.
Save money in the long run
Think of it this way, a little bit of prevention now with fluoride and sealants can save you a lot of hassle and money later on. These treatments are pretty affordable and can help you avoid pricier dental work if decay gets out of hand. So, it’s really about being smart with your choices now to avoid big bills in the future.
The Fluoridation And Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are usually part of your child’s regular teeth cleaning and check-up once a year. As for sealants, they’re put on when needed—like when a new molar pops up or if the dentist notices any trouble spots on the surface of a tooth where you chew.
Fluoride Treatment
Our fluoride treatment is significantly stronger than over-the-counter options because it is professionally administered in our office. We commonly use a concentrated foam or gel, which is applied using both upper and lower trays. The application process is brief, occurring at the conclusion of a dental cleaning session. For optimal effectiveness, patients are advised to refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes following the treatment.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is simple and painless. First, the dentist cleans and dries your tooth. Then, a mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the surface for better adhesion. This gel is quickly rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again. The sealant is then painted into the grooves of your tooth, and a special blue light cures it, hardening the material. The whole process is fast, doesn’t alter your bite, and effectively protects against decay.
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 about 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before you eat or drink anything. This short break is important because it lets the fluoride fully soak into your tooth enamel, where it can start to strengthen your teeth. Taking this pause ensures that the treatment has enough time to be effective, helping to protect your teeth against decay.
Yes, fluoride treatment is safe and beneficial. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in small amounts in various sources of drinking water. The benefits of fluoride were first noticed when scientists observed that people living in areas with naturally fluoridated water experienced less tooth decay. As a result, fluoride has been added to public water supplies and is commonly used in dental care routines. It has been effectively and safely used to prevent dental decay worldwide for many generations.
Dental sealant is applied to the biting surfaces of molars and serves as a protective barrier. It covers the grooves and fissures of the teeth, which are particularly susceptible to decay, effectively shielding them from plaque and food particles that can cause cavities.
Dental sealants can keep your teeth safe from decay for up to 10 years, but that’s only if you take good care of your teeth. This means brushing and flossing every day and making sure to see your dentist regularly. Try to stay away from too many acidic snacks and drinks, especially right before you go to sleep. If the sealant starts to chip or wear out, don’t worry—your dentist or hygienist can fix it up easily.
Dental sealants are typically clear or slightly tinted, making them nearly invisible on your teeth. They’re applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), so even if they have a slight colour, they’re not easily noticeable when you talk or smile.
While fluoride treatments are commonly associated with children and the prevention of cavities as their teeth develop, adults can also benefit greatly from fluoride. It helps remineralize tooth enamel and can prevent decay in adults just as effectively, especially for those with a history of dental issues or high decay risk.
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