Protecting your teeth from the very start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children. As permanent teeth develop, fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by aiding in the remineralization process. Plaque and the acids in our diet can weaken tooth enamel by depleting essential minerals. Fluoride treatments stop this process and help strengthen your enamel, making your teeth more resistant to cavities.
Dental Sealants
Molars have little grooves and cracks that easily catch food and plaque, making them tough to keep clean. When kids get their new molars, dental sealants provide extra protection. This coating keeps out debris, helping to protect their teeth and lower the chances of cavities in those tricky spots.
Why opt for sealants and fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association advises using sealants for both baby and adult teeth when a dentist thinks it’s needed, based on each person’s situation. Sealants are just one part of a good dental care routine, along with brushing, fluoride treatments, healthy eating, and regular check-ups. Together, these steps help protect teeth and keep your mouth healthy for the long term.
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Your enamel is the protective shield on the outside of your teeth, but underneath, there’s dentin, pulp, and nerves. Dentin helps support your tooth but doesn’t stop the nerve from feeling hot, cold, or sticky foods. When enamel wears down, your teeth get more sensitive. Fluoride treatments and sealants help keep your enamel strong so it can protect the sensitive parts of your teeth and reduce that uncomfortable sensitivity.
Prevent and reverse decay
When enamel wears down, it can lead to cavities. Exposed dentin not only causes sensitivity but also increases the risk of infection, which can be quite painful and might even require a root canal to fix. Fluoride treatments help rebuild enamel, while sealants protect vulnerable areas from plaque, preventing decay and keeping your teeth strong.
Save money in the long run
A little prevention today can save you from bigger expenses tomorrow. Fluoride treatments and sealants are affordable options that help prevent tooth decay, reducing the likelihood of needing more expensive procedures down the road.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically included during your child’s annual teeth cleaning and exam. Sealants, on the other hand, are applied as needed—often after a new molar comes in or when the dentist spots a potential problem on the chewing surface of a tooth.
Fluoride treatment
The fluoride treatment we provide is stronger than what you can buy in stores because it’s applied by professionals here in our office. Our most common treatment is a foam or gel placed in trays for your upper and lower teeth. It only takes a few minutes at the end of your cleaning. To get the full benefit, we’ll ask you to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or freezing. The dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the tooth. Next, a mild acidic gel is applied to slightly roughen the surface, ensuring a strong bond. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off, the tooth is dried again, and the sealant is carefully placed into the grooves. A special blue light is then used to harden the sealant. Once finished, your bite will still 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
After a fluoride treatment, your dentist or hygienist will recommend waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This brief pause allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel, maximizing its protective benefits.
Yes, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It’s even found in small amounts in some drinking water sources. Scientists discovered the benefits of fluoride when they noticed that people living near naturally fluoridated water had fewer cavities. Since then, fluoride has been added to many water supplies and incorporated into routine dental care. For generations, fluoride treatments have been a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay worldwide.
Dental sealant is a thin coating applied to the top of your back teeth. It acts like a protective layer, keeping food and plaque out of the small cracks and grooves, which helps prevent cavities in those harder-to-reach areas.
With proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and limit acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed. If a sealant gets chipped or worn, your dentist or hygienist can quickly repair it.