Fluoride Treatments to Prevent Cavities and Reduce Sensitivity
Benefits of Fluoride
Enamel is the tough, protective layer covering your teeth. Once it’s worn down or damaged by cavities, it can’t regenerate. The only way to fix lost enamel is with a filling. However, fluoride treatments can help maintain your enamel, keeping it strong and healthy for years.
Fluoride works by bonding to the enamel, reinforcing it against acids from food and harmful bacteria. This is why studies have consistently shown that people exposed to fluoride in their childhood, either through water or dental visits, have fewer cavities as adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are especially recommended for kids during their dental check-ups.
But the benefits of fluoride aren’t just for kids—adults gain from it too! Fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of cavities at any age, making it a smart choice for long-term dental health.
Additionally, fluoride can reduce sensitivity in teeth. If you experience discomfort with cold foods or drinks, a fluoride application could be the solution to ease those sensitive areas.
Do I Need A Fluoride Treatment?
Many patients wonder if they need fluoride treatment when they’re already using fluoridated toothpaste and have access to fluoridated water. The answer is usually yes. Over-the-counter toothpastes and mouth rinses contain low fluoride levels, and tap water has even less. A concentrated fluoride varnish applied at the dentist offers a stronger boost, helping to maintain strong enamel and reduce sensitivity.
*For those prone to cavities, this extra fluoride can make the difference between more fillings or no new cavities at all.
Fluoride Reduces Tooth Sensitivity
Gum recession is common among adults and can expose parts of the tooth’s root, leading to increased sensitivity. Unlike the enamel-covered crown, the root surface is much more vulnerable to discomfort. Applying a fluoride varnish to exposed roots can block sensitivity and provide relief for up to six months.
Preventing Cavities Saves Time, Discomfort, and Money
Fluoride treatments, combined with regular check-ups and cleanings, are your best defense against dental issues. Investing in preventive care is quicker, more comfortable, and more cost-effective than spending time and money on restorative treatments. Let us help you maintain a healthy smile!
Dental Sealants
Extra Protection for Molars
Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, especially useful for kids who are prone to cavities in these areas. By sealing the tooth before decay starts, cavities can be avoided. Sealants aren’t permanent, but they’re easy to reapply when needed. Plus, no numbing is required, making the process quick and painless. And yes, adults can benefit from sealants too!
Fluoride and Sealants: What to Expect
Fluoride is applied during your regular cleaning appointments, while sealants are applied as needed. After a dental exam, we’ll let you know if sealants are recommended for your teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is quick and easy. Using a small brush, the dentist or hygienist applies a thin layer of fluoride varnish to the molars and any areas of sensitivity. After the treatment, avoid hot and crunchy foods for 2 hours to allow the varnish to set, but cool and soft foods are fine right away. You can brush your teeth normally that evening.
Dental Sealant Application
Applying sealants is also a straightforward process. The dentist or hygienist ensures the tooth surface is clean and dry before applying a gentle etch. A thin layer of sealant material is then brushed onto the grooves of the molars. A special blue light hardens the sealant, allowing you to eat and chew normally. You won’t even feel that they’re there!
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
You can eat or drink right away, but avoid very hot foods and drinks, as well as anything crunchy, for at least two hours. This helps the fluoride varnish stay in place and be most effective.
Yes, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in some drinking water sources. Its benefits for preventing tooth decay were first observed in communities with fluoridated water. Since 1945, fluoride has been safely used in the U.S. to reduce dental decay, and the American Dental Association continues to recommend its use for oral health.
With proper oral care and regular dental visits, sealants can last up to 10 years. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding acidic foods and drinks—especially before bed—can extend their lifespan. If a sealant becomes chipped or worn, your dentist can easily repair it.
Absolutely! Fluoride treatments and sealants are effective for all ages, offering protective benefits for both kids and adults.
The fluoride concentration in drinking water is less than 1 ppm (part per million). Over-the-counter toothpaste has about 1,000 ppm, and prescription toothpaste contains 5,000 ppm. Our fluoride varnish, used during treatments, has a concentration of 21,000 ppm, making it especially effective in strengthening teeth and preventing decay.
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