Fluoride treatments and dental sealants represent two of the most powerful preventive weapons in the dentist’s arsenal.
Both are intended to aid in guarding the teeth against cavities. However, their mode of operation varies, and they generally serve to maximize benefits when administered in tandem. The purpose of this article is to acquaint you with the functioning of these treatments, so that you may better protect your oral health for the years ahead.
At the Didsbury Dental Centre, we are convinced of the importance of preventative dentistry. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants represent painless and convenient means of lowering cavity risk for both children and adults.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that contributes to the strengthening of the dental enamel, rendering teeth better-equipped to deal with acid attacks from bacteria, food, and drink. Even for the well-brushed-and-flossed, the addition of extra fluoride is of benefit.
Professional treatments involve fluoride application to the teeth in the form of a varnish, gel, or foam. In contrast to fluoride present in water and commercial dentifrices, professional treatment contains a substantially higher fluoride concentration. Consequently, the fluoride in the treatment can be better absorbed into the tooth enamel, resulting in significantly improved protection against tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatment Benefits
There are several positive features of professional fluoride treatment for patients of every age group:
- Strengthens the enamel and improves resistance to tooth decay.
- Assists with reversing very early signs of tooth demineralization.
- Diminishes the likelihood of cavities developing in the interval between regular dentist visits.
- Decreases tooth sensitivity, for some individuals.
- Adds simple preventative treatment, which will add to your overall oral health and well-being.
These fluoride treatments are especially helpful for patients with a history of cavities, dry mouth, and braces, or for any patient who is at an increased risk for tooth decay.
Dental Sealants
Sealants represent thin, plastic coatings applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The deep grooves and pits of these teeth serve as traps for food debris and cavity-causing bacteria. Since toothbrushes can’t reach effectively into all these small crevices, such areas are very likely to become decay sites.
After the application of a sealant, a smooth surface is established to discourage the adhesion of plaque and bacteria to these vulnerable areas. The procedure can be carried out rapidly and comfortably, requiring no cutting or drilling.
Benefits Of Dental Sealants
The sealants provide localized protection for areas prone to the development of tooth decay. In general, they can be utilized by both children and adults for this reason.
- Protects deep pits and fissures from decay;
- Establishes a smooth, easy-to-clean surface;
- Reduces risk of cavities in the molars and premolars;
- Provides long-term preventative protection;
- Does not require drilling or cutting of tooth tissue. Since sealants are placed before cavities appear, they help keep natural teeth healthy and prevent the need for restorative dentistry later on.
Sealants Vs. Fluoride Treatments
While both sealants and fluoride treatments work to prevent cavities, they do so in distinct ways.
Fluoride works to strengthen the entire tooth surface by strengthening the outermost layer (enamel) and helping teeth become more resistant to acid attacks. Sealants create a physical barrier in deep pits and fissures on certain teeth to keep bacteria and food debris out. If fluoride strengthens a tooth from the outside in, sealants cover high-risk areas that are more difficult to clean naturally.
Rather than opting for one or the other, many patients use both of these preventive measures in their oral hygiene routine.
Who Can Benefit From Fluoride & Sealants?
Children are common candidates for sealants and fluoride applications because freshly-erupted permanent teeth are highly susceptible to decay, but adults may also be appropriate candidates depending on their risk level.
Your dentist may recommend sealants or fluoride applications if you:
- Have a history of frequent cavities
- Have deep pits and fissures on your chewing surfaces of your back teeth
- Wear braces or other appliances
- Have decreased saliva flow
- Want to prevent dental disease
Recommendations for these treatments at Didsbury Dental Centre are always individualized based on your risk level and dental health goals.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
Fluoride applications and sealants can be done in a single appointment during your preventive care cleaning visit.
For a fluoride application, your dentist or dental assistant will paint the material on your teeth and allow it to absorb into your enamel. The application takes just a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.
For sealants, the teeth are cleaned and prepared, then the sealant material is painted onto the tooth, and then a curing light is used to harden it. The procedure is easy and is done in a few minutes per tooth.
Patients generally go back to their day immediately afterward.
Protecting Smiles With Preventive Care
Preventing cavities is easier, more comfortable, and less expensive than restoring a tooth after a cavity has developed. Both fluoride applications and dental sealants are valuable protective measures that can keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Patients in Didsbury, AB rely on Didsbury Dental Centre for personalized and effective dental preventive care, as well as a commitment to long-term oral health. Whether you are considering fluoride treatments for your child, sealants for new molars, or preventive treatments for your own dental health, the team at Didsbury Dental Centre will help you decide on the best options for your dental health. Taking a proactive approach to preventive care now means a healthier, cavity-free mouth in the future in Didsbury, AB.