Protecting your teeth from the very start
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children. As adult teeth emerge, fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay through a process called remineralization. Acids from plaque and food can deplete essential minerals from teeth, weakening the enamel. Fluoride restores these minerals, making enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
Dental sealants
Molars have deep grooves and fissures that can trap food particles and acidic plaque, making them hard to clean. Dental sealants act as a protective shield, keeping these areas safe from decay. When children get new molars, sealants can safeguard their natural teeth, providing long-lasting protection against cavities.
Why opt for sealants and fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) endorses the selective use of sealants for primary and permanent teeth based on individual risk assessments and a dentist’s diagnosis. Sealants are an essential part of a well-rounded preventive care program that includes good oral hygiene, optimal fluoride exposure, regular dental checkups, and nutritional counselling.
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Beneath the enamel—the outermost layer of a tooth—lies dentin, pulp, and nerve tissue. While dentin supports the tooth’s structure, it doesn’t shield the nerve from sensations like heat, cold, or acids. If enamel becomes thin or worn, teeth become sensitive. Fluoride treatments and sealants maintain strong enamel, ensuring it continues to protect sensitive dentin from these irritants.
Prevent and reverse decay
Worn enamel is vulnerable to decay, which can lead to cavities and expose dentin, increasing the risk of painful infections that may require root canal treatment. Fluoride helps rebuild enamel, while sealants provide a barrier against plaque build-up, preventing decay and strengthening teeth.
Save money in the long run
Investing in fluoride and sealants now can save you from costly dental procedures later. These preventive treatments are relatively inexpensive and help avoid advanced dental issues like cavities, infections, or root canals, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term oral health.
The fluoridation and sealant process
Fluoride treatments and sealants are effective preventive measures often incorporated into your child’s dental care routine. Fluoride is typically applied once a year during regular cleanings and exams, while sealants are added as needed, such as when new molars erupt or a problem area is detected by the dentist.
Fluoride treatment
Professional fluoride treatments are stronger than over-the-counter options and are administered by dental professionals. The most common method involves foam or gel applied in upper and lower trays. The process takes just a few minutes at the end of a cleaning. After treatment, patients are advised not to eat or drink for 30 minutes to ensure the fluoride is fully absorbed for maximum benefit.
Dental sealant application
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. There is no drilling or freezing required. The process begins with cleaning and drying the tooth. A mild acidic gel is then applied to roughen the 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 to the grooves. A special blue light is used to harden the sealant. Once the procedure is complete, 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
After fluoride treatment, you’ll be asked to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your tooth enamel, maximizing its effectiveness in strengthening teeth and preventing decay.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some sources of drinking water. Scientists discovered its dental benefits when observing that communities near fluoride-rich water sources had lower rates of tooth decay. Since then, fluoride has been added to drinking water and incorporated into dental care routines worldwide. For generations, fluoride treatments have been safely and effectively preventing tooth decay.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars, where they act as a protective shield. They cover the grooves and fissures of teeth, preventing food particles and plaque from causing decay in these vulnerable areas.
With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. To prolong their effectiveness, brush and floss regularly, and avoid acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed. If a sealant becomes chipped or worn, your dentist or hygienist can easily repair it.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
