Protecting your teeth from the very start
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for children. As adult teeth begin to emerge, fluoride helps protect them from decay through a process called remineralization. Everyday acids from food and plaque can weaken enamel by stripping it of key minerals. Fluoride helps reverse this process, reinforcing the enamel and making it more resistant to future damage.
Dental Sealants
Molars have natural pits and grooves that easily collect plaque and food debris. These areas can be tough to clean, especially for kids. That’s why applying a dental sealant when new molars erupt can make a big difference. Sealants act as a barrier, keeping harmful substances out and reducing the risk of decay in those hard to reach spots.
Why opt for sealants and fluoride?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends the careful use of dental sealants for both baby and adult teeth, based on a professional assessment. These treatments are a key part of a well rounded prevention strategy that also includes good nutrition, daily brushing and flossing, exposure to fluoride, and regular visits to the dentist. If you’re looking for trusted care, a Dentist in Vancouver BC can help guide you in creating the right preventive plan for your child.
Reduce tooth sensitivity
The enamel is the outermost layer of your tooth, but beneath it lies dentin, which houses tiny tubules that connect to the nerve. When enamel wears thin, hot or cold sensations can pass through to the nerve, causing discomfort. By keeping the enamel strong with fluoride and sealants, you help protect your teeth from sensitivity and external irritants.
Prevent and reverse decay
Weak or worn enamel is vulnerable to ongoing decay, eventually leading to cavities. Once dentin is exposed, the risk of pain and infection increases, and more involved treatments like root canals may become necessary. Fluoride helps rebuild weakened enamel, while sealants protect susceptible surfaces from decay causing bacteria.
Save money in the long run
Preventive care like fluoride treatments and sealants is relatively low cost compared to the expenses of repairing cavities or managing tooth infections. Investing in these protective treatments early on can reduce the need for costly procedures later.
The fluoridation and sealant process
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is typically applied during your child’s regular cleaning and checkup, usually once a year. The fluoride we use in office is stronger than over the counter products and is applied in the form of a foam or gel using trays that fit over the teeth. The treatment only takes a few minutes, and we ask that your child refrain from eating or drinking for about 30 minutes afterward to allow the fluoride to be fully absorbed.
Dental Sealant Application
Sealants are quick, painless, and non invasive. No drilling or freezing is needed. We begin by cleaning and drying the tooth. A mild gel is used briefly to roughen the surface for better bonding, then rinsed off. The sealant is placed directly into the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a special blue curing light. When done correctly, your bite will still feel completely natural.
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
We recommend waiting 30 minutes after fluoride application so that the fluoride has enough time to bond with the enamel and maximize its protective effect.
Yes, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some water sources. Its cavity fighting benefits were discovered when researchers noticed lower rates of decay in communities with fluoridated water. Today, fluoride is safely used around the world in both water supplies and dental care practices to help prevent tooth decay.
Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect deep grooves and pits from plaque and bacteria, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of cavities.
With proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, sealants can last up to 10 years. If they become worn or chipped, your dentist or hygienist can easily reapply or repair them to ensure ongoing protection.
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