Protecting Your Teeth from the Very Start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children as their adult teeth come in. It helps prevent tooth decay through remineralization, a process that strengthens tooth enamel by restoring essential minerals. Plaque acids and certain foods can wear down enamel, but fluoride treatments stop and reverse this, making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
Molars have deep grooves and fissures that easily trap plaque and food particles, which can be tough to clean. When children get new molars, dental sealants provide a protective shield, preventing decay by keeping harmful substances out of these vulnerable areas. Sealants help protect natural teeth and maintain oral health.
Why Opt for Sealants and Fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends the selective use of sealants for both primary and permanent teeth based on a dentist’s risk assessment. According to the CDA, sealants are a key part of a comprehensive preventive dental care plan that includes fluoride exposure, good oral hygiene, nutritional counselling, and regular dental check-ups.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Beneath the enamel lies dentin, pulp, and the tooth’s nerve. Dentin supports the tooth but doesn’t protect the nerve from extreme temperatures or acidic and sticky foods. When enamel wears down, teeth become sensitive. Fluoride and sealants strengthen and protect enamel, reducing sensitivity by shielding the delicate dentin beneath.
Prevent and Reverse Decay
Worn enamel can lead to cavities and increased tooth sensitivity. Once exposed, dentin is more vulnerable to infection, which can result in the need for treatments like root canals. Fluoride helps rebuild enamel, while sealants protect areas prone to plaque build-up, preventing decay and reinforcing tooth strength.
Save Money in the Long Run
Preventive care like fluoride and sealants is a cost-effective way to avoid expensive treatments later on. These treatments are affordable and can prevent the need for more extensive procedures if decay is left unchecked. Investing in prevention now can save you from costly dental issues down the road.
The Fluoridation and Sealant Process
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are typically included as part of your child’s preventive dental care. Fluoride is applied during their routine cleaning and exam once a year, while sealants are added as needed, usually after a new molar erupts or when a dentist identifies a problem area.
Fluoride Treatment
The fluoride treatment we provide is much stronger than what you find in store-bought products, as it is administered by our dental professionals. Most often, fluoride is applied as a foam or gel in custom trays for the upper and lower teeth. The application takes just a few minutes, and for the best results, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying dental sealants is a quick, painless process with no need for drilling or freezing. First, the dentist will clean and dry the tooth. Then, a mild acidic gel is applied to roughen the surface slightly, ensuring a strong bond. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the sealant is applied to the grooves of the tooth, and a special blue light is used to harden the sealant. Once finished, your bite will feel natural and comfortable.
Both treatments are highly effective at protecting your child’s teeth from decay and keeping their smile healthy.
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.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Alwash is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Markham.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to wait 30 minutes after fluoride treatment to allow the fluoride to properly absorb into your tooth enamel. This helps it strengthen your teeth and protect against decay.
Yes, fluoride treatment is completely safe. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, found in some sources of drinking water. Scientists discovered its benefits when noticing lower tooth decay rates in areas with natural fluoride in the water. Today, fluoride is added to many water supplies and dental care regimens, and it has been safely preventing decay for generations worldwide.
Dental sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of molars, acting as a protective shield to guard the deep grooves and fissures of teeth from decay.
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental sealants can last up to 10 years. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and limit acidic food and drinks. If your sealants become chipped or worn, your dentist can easily repair them.
Dental sealants are typically applied when your child’s first permanent molars come in, usually around the age of 6. The second set of molars, which come in around age 12, may also benefit from sealants. Applying them early helps protect these teeth during the cavity-prone years of childhood.
Yes, adults can benefit from both fluoride treatments and sealants. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay, especially for those with a history of cavities or weakened enamel. Sealants can also be used to protect molars that are prone to decay, even in adults.