
Protecting Your Teeth From The Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a key treatment for young children, particularly when their adult teeth begin to come in. It helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay by encouraging remineralization, which restores important minerals to the teeth. Since acids from plaque and foods can weaken enamel over time, fluoride helps to protect and reinforce it, making it more resistant to the harmful effects of decay.
Dental Sealants
The grooves and crevices on molars can trap food and plaque, which are tough to clean out. As new molars appear, applying a dental sealant offers a protective layer that prevents these particles from accumulating and causing damage. Essentially, sealants act as a barrier, ensuring that these hard-to-reach areas remain clean and free from decay.
Why Opt For Sealants And Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association strongly supports the use of sealants, especially when they’re the right option for both baby and adult teeth, based on a thorough assessment by your dentist. The CDA considers sealants an essential part of a comprehensive preventive dental care plan, which also includes proper dietary advice, fluoride use, regular brushing and flossing, and consistent dental check-ups.
Reducing Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel serves as a protective layer for your tooth, shielding the more sensitive underlying structures like the dentin, pulp, and nerve. Dentin helps support the tooth but doesn’t offer protection against hot or cold temperatures or certain foods. When enamel wears away, your teeth may become more sensitive. Fluoride treatments and sealants help maintain strong enamel, protecting your teeth from sensitivity.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Worn enamel can lead to tooth decay and eventually cavities. This not only results in increased sensitivity but can also expose the dentin, making the tooth more susceptible to infections that may require more serious procedures like a root canal. Fluoride treatments help rebuild enamel, and sealants protect vulnerable areas from plaque, both of which can prevent decay and keep your teeth strong.
Save money in the long run
Preventing issues now with fluoride and sealants can save you from costly dental work in the future. These treatments are relatively affordable, and taking care of your teeth early can help you avoid more expensive procedures if decay becomes a bigger problem. In the long run, it’s a wise decision to invest in prevention and avoid expensive treatments down the line.
The Fluoridation And Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are generally incorporated into your child’s routine dental cleaning and check-up, typically done once a year. Sealants, however, are applied when necessary, such as when new molars come in or when the dentist identifies specific areas on the chewing surfaces that could be prone to decay.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride used in our practice is much more potent than what you can buy over the counter, as it’s professionally applied during the visit. We typically use a concentrated foam or gel, which is placed into trays that fit over the upper and lower teeth. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is done at the end of the cleaning. For maximum benefit, we advise patients to avoid eating or drinking for at least half an hour following the treatment.
Dental Sealant Application
The process of applying dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the dentist thoroughly cleans and dries the tooth. A mild acid gel is then used to slightly roughen the surface, ensuring better adhesion for the sealant. After rinsing off the gel and drying the tooth again, the sealant is carefully applied to the grooves. A special light is used to harden it, completing the process. It’s efficient, won’t interfere with your bite, and provides lasting protection from cavities.
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 fluoride treatment, it’s essential to give the fluoride time to work by waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to fully integrate into your tooth enamel, enhancing its ability to protect and strengthen your teeth from decay.
Fluoride is completely safe and highly effective in promoting dental health. As a naturally occurring mineral, it has been used for decades in various dental applications to prevent cavities. Research shows that communities with fluoridated water have lower rates of tooth decay, confirming its safety and benefits for teeth.
Dental sealants are a preventive measure applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. They work by filling in the grooves and pits that can trap food and bacteria, which are harder to clean. This protective coating helps guard against cavities by preventing the buildup of plaque and food particles.
Sealants can provide effective protection for up to 10 years, though their longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene and wear. Regular dental visits and proper care can help maintain their effectiveness. If they become chipped or worn down, your dentist can easily repair or replace them.
Dental sealants are designed to be discreet, often clear or with a slight tint that makes them hard to notice. Since they are placed on the back molars, even if the colour is slightly visible, it won’t be obvious when you talk or smile.
Fluoride treatments are valuable for adults, not just children. They help remineralize enamel, preventing tooth decay and strengthening teeth, especially in those who may have a history of cavities or are at higher risk of dental issues. Fluoride is an excellent tool for keeping adult teeth strong and healthy.
