Sealants and Fluoride

Brushing and flossing are two of the best ways to prevent cavities. Unfortunately, sometimes these practices alone are not enough. That is why we are proud to offer sealants and fluoride treatments as part of our preventive dentistry services. With these methods, we can improve the strength of your teeth and stop tooth decay from developing in the first place.

Why is Preventive Dentistry Important?

Our team at Oral Implants & Reconstructive Dentistry believes that prevention is always the best medicine. If we can prevent a dental issue from developing, we can save our patients a great deal of time, money, and discomfort.

Most preventive treatments are both effective and cost-efficient. By investing a small amount of time and money in prevention, you can save yourself from the frustration of having to deal with a serious oral health problem down the road.

What Are Sealants?

Sealants are thin layers of coating that we paint over the top of a tooth. Once a sealant has hardened, it will act as a shield to prevent bacteria and food debris from finding their way into a tooth’s rough grooves and crevices. Sealants also smooth the chewing surface of teeth, which makes brushing easier and more effective.

Sealants are simple and inexpensive. Usually, it only takes us a few minutes to place a sealant – making them one of our quickest treatments available. We mostly recommend this option for children and teens since they are generally more susceptible to tooth decay. However, sealants are excellent options for adults as well – especially those who are prone to cavities.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that binds to the teeth to strengthen the enamel. By doing this, fluoride can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. Most adults ingest small amounts of this mineral from their toothpaste and mouthwash. By brushing every day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, you can significantly improve the strength of your teeth. Fluoride is so important for people’s oral health that many large cities will even add small amounts of the mineral to their public drinking water.

If you or your child are not receiving enough fluoride from your drinking water or dental products, you may need a fluoride treatment. These procedures are simple and long-lasting. We will either use foam, gel, or varnish to apply the fluoride. After no more than five minutes, we will remove the material and you can go about your day. Fluoride treatments are an excellent way for families to prevent cavities and strengthen their teeth!

Can Adults Take Advantage of These Treatments?

Yes! Although we usually recommend sealants and fluoride to children and teens, they are great options for adults as well. If you are prone to developing cavities or would like to have an additional layer of protection, ask us about these treatments.

If you are interested in learning more about sealants and fluoride treatments, please call our office today at 614-885-1215. We would be happy to schedule a consultation!