Children are unfortunately at significant risk of getting dental caries, or cavities. Fluoride treatments and sealants, in addition to good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, can benefit your child’s teeth in a variety of ways. Fluoride is a substance found in nature that helps to strengthen the outer layer of your teeth. While your child can acquire fluoride via fluoridated foods and water, fluoride treatments support strong tooth enamel and aid in the battle against microorganisms that affect teeth and gums. Dental sealants, sometimes called fissure sealants, are a tooth-coloured preventive coating that fills in the crevices on your teeth’s biting surfaces. The sealant application process is straightforward and painless, and it may be completed in just one appointment. The sealants are first applied to a clean, dry tooth surface. Then they’re exposed to a specific light to harden them.

What are the benefits for children?

Fluoride is one of the safest ways to fight and prevent dental decay in youngsters, according to years of research. Fluoride treatments help to remineralize and strengthen all areas of enamel, preventing damage to the tooth surface. Fluoride also protects your teeth against acids in the mouth, which can wear away at your enamel over time. 

When should you have fluoride treatments?

Your child is ready for fluoride treatments after they have their first tooth. Depending on their overall health and the possibility of getting cavities, children should receive 2-4 fluoride treatments each year on average. This is to aid in the healthy development and growth of their teeth. After receiving fluoride, your child should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

What are the benefits of sealants to children?

Did you know that sealants can help you avoid cavities by up to 80%? While brushing and flossing can help prevent cavities, sealants create a nearly undetectable protective layer over molar grooves. This helps to keep bacteria and food out of the natural wrinkles of the teeth. Dental sealants are not only simple to apply, but they also give instant protection and can endure for several years before requiring reapplication.

When should you get sealants?

Pediatric dentists at St. Albert now use dental sealants as a standard of care. Sealants are recommended by most pediatric dentists as soon as a child’s permanent molars arrive.

Make an appointment with your Brampton dentist at Gardenbrooke Dental if you have any questions concerning fluoride or sealant treatments for your child. He or she can inform you about these two effective cavity-fighting treatments and advise you on the best course of action for your child. Call us at 780-459-3671 to book an appointment.