
Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is especially beneficial for children as their adult teeth develop. This treatment helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel through remineralization. Plaque acids and certain foods can deplete essential minerals from teeth, weakening enamel over time. Fluoride works to restore these minerals, making teeth more resilient to decay.
Dental Sealants
Molars have deep grooves and crevices where plaque and food particles can accumulate, making them harder to clean. When new molars emerge, applying a dental sealant helps protect these vulnerable areas by creating a barrier that prevents decay. Sealants act as an extra layer of defence to maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
Fluoride treatments and sealants are valuable preventive measures recommended based on a dentist’s assessment of a patient’s oral health. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), sealants are an important part of a comprehensive dental care plan, which also includes proper fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, nutritional counselling, and regular check-ups. When used appropriately, they help protect both primary and permanent teeth from decay.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Enamel serves as a shield for the inner layers of the tooth, including dentin, pulp, and nerves. While dentin provides structural support, it does not prevent sensitivity to temperature changes, acidic foods, or sticky substances. When enamel becomes worn or thin, teeth are more prone to discomfort. Fluoride strengthens enamel, and sealants add an extra layer of protection, reducing sensitivity and keeping teeth resilient.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Weakening enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities. If decay progresses, exposed dentin increases the risk of infection, which can be painful and may require a root canal to restore the tooth. Fluoride helps rebuild enamel, while sealants create a protective barrier against plaque, reducing the likelihood of cavities and keeping teeth strong.
Save Money in the Long Run
Investing in preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants can reduce the need for more extensive dental work in the future. These cost-effective solutions help protect against decay, potentially avoiding more complex and expensive procedures later on.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
As part of preventive dental care, fluoride treatments are typically included in a child’s annual cleaning and exam, while sealants are applied when necessary—usually after a new molar erupts or when a dentist detects an area at risk for decay.
Fluoride Treatment
A professional-strength fluoride solution is used in our office, offering more protection than store-bought products. The most common method involves placing foam or gel in upper and lower trays for a few minutes at the end of a cleaning. To maximise effectiveness, patients should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
Dental Sealant Application
Sealants are a simple and painless way to protect teeth, requiring no drilling or freezing. The process begins with a thorough cleaning and drying of the tooth. A mild acidic gel is then applied briefly to create a slightly rough surface for better adhesion. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the dentist carefully applies the sealant into the grooves and uses a special blue light to harden it. The final result maintains a natural and comfortable bite.
Save Money in the Long Run
Investing in preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants can reduce the need for more extensive dental work in the future. These cost-effective solutions help protect against decay, potentially avoiding more complex and expensive procedures later on.
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
Dentists and hygienists recommend waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into the enamel. This ensures it has time to strengthen the teeth effectively.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some water sources. Researchers first discovered its benefits when they noticed lower rates of tooth decay in communities with naturally fluoridated water. Since then, fluoride has been added to drinking water and incorporated into dental care routines worldwide. It has been safely used for generations to help prevent cavities and maintain strong teeth.
Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to create a protective barrier. This prevents food particles and plaque from accumulating in the deep grooves of teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
With proper oral care and routine dental visits, sealants can remain effective for up to 10 years. Regular brushing, flossing, and limiting acidic foods—especially before bedtime—help extend their lifespan. If a sealant becomes worn or chipped, a dentist or hygienist can easily repair it.
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