Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children as their adult teeth emerge. These treatments combat tooth decay through a process called remineralization. Acids from plaque and certain foods can wear down tooth enamel by depleting essential minerals. Fluoride treatments help to halt and even reverse this process, strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
The biting surfaces of molars are filled with grooves and fissures that can easily trap acidic plaque and food particles, making them challenging to clean. When children get new molars, dental sealants can be applied to protect their natural teeth and prevent decay by keeping harmful substances out. These sealants act as a protective shield for those vulnerable areas, contributing to long-term dental health.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
Choosing sealants and fluoride treatments is backed by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), which supports their appropriate and selective use for both primary and permanent teeth based on a thorough risk assessment and dental diagnosis. Sealants are considered a crucial part of a comprehensive preventive program that also includes nutritional counselling, optimal fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene practices, and regular dental examinations. By incorporating these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and maintain optimal oral health for you and your children.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
The enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth, while beneath it lies the dentin, pulp, and nerve. Dentin provides structural support but cannot protect the tooth’s nerve from hot, cold, or acidic foods. When enamel wears thin, teeth become sensitive. Fluoride treatments and sealants help maintain enamel health, ensuring it continues to protect the sensitive dentin underneath.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Worn enamel can lead to further decay and the formation of cavities. Exposed dentin not only increases sensitivity but also heightens the risk of infection, which can be extremely painful and may necessitate a root canal. Rebuilding enamel through fluoride treatments and protecting vulnerable areas from plaque buildup can prevent decay and strengthen teeth.
Save Money in the Long Run
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Fluoride treatments and sealants are relatively inexpensive solutions that can save you from more costly procedures down the line if tooth decay progresses. Investing in preventive care now can lead to significant savings and better oral health in the future.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments are typically administered during your child’s routine teeth cleaning and exam, usually once a year. This ensures that they receive the benefits of fluoride as part of their preventive care. Sealants, on the other hand, are applied as needed, typically after a new molar erupts or if the dentist identifies a problem area on the biting surface of a tooth. This proactive approach helps protect vulnerable teeth from decay and supports your child’s overall dental health.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we provide is more potent than over-the-counter options because it’s administered by dental professionals in our office. Typically, our fluoride treatment is delivered in the form of foam or gel applied using upper and lower trays. The application only takes a few minutes at the end of your teeth cleaning appointment. After the treatment, we recommend that patients avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to maximize the benefits.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is a straightforward and painless process. There’s no drilling involved, and anesthesia isn’t necessary. The dentist will first clean and dry the tooth thoroughly. Then, a mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the surface for optimal bonding. After rinsing off the gel and drying the tooth again, the sealant is pressed into the grooves of the tooth. A special blue light is used to cure the sealant, ensuring it sets properly. Once completed, your bite should 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 fluoride treatment, your dentist or hygienist will recommend waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to properly absorb into your tooth enamel, maximizing its effectiveness in strengthening your teeth and preventing decay.
Yes, fluoride treatment is safe. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in small concentrations in some drinking water sources. Researchers discovered its benefits when they observed that people living near fluoridated water sources experienced less tooth decay. As a result, fluoride has been added to various drinking water supplies and incorporated into routine dental care regimens. For generations, fluoride treatments have been successfully used to prevent dental decay around the world.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars to act as a protective shield against decay. They fill in the vulnerable grooves and fissures of the teeth, preventing food particles and plaque from accumulating in these hard-to-clean areas.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. It’s important to brush and floss regularly and avoid acidic foods and drinks, especially before bedtime. If sealants become chipped or worn over time, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair or reapply them to ensure continued protection.
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