Preventative Dentistry: Sealants and Fluoride
A well-practiced oral hygiene routine can only protect your teeth so much. That’s why sealants and fluorides are an important part of preventive dentistry. Sealants and fluorides help protect your teeth from tooth decay.
Sealants
A sealant is a thin coating that is painted over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is applied as a liquid, and it hardens to form a shield over the tooth. It is important to help protect the small pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, as toothbrush bristles can miss food and germs stuck there.
Having a sealant applied is quick and painless. It is usually applied at a dentist’s office in a few easy steps:
- The tooth is cleaned.
- The tooth is dried and cotton is placed around the tooth to keep the area dry.
- A solution is put on the tooth to make the surface slightly rough, to help the sealant stick better.
- The tooth is rinsed and dried again.
- The sealant is applied and with the help of a special light, the sealant will dry.
Sealants will last for several years before they need to be reapplied.
Fluorides
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can help make the enamel (outer surface of teeth) more resistant to tooth decay. Where can you find fluoride? As fluoride is a natural mineral, it can be found in more places than you’d expect!
- Water
Fluoride is found in most water sources—such as rivers, lakes and even the oceans. Fluoride is commonly added to public water supplies at the appropriate level to help combat tooth decay.
- Toothpaste
Brushing twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay/cavities. Be sure to look for a toothpaste containing fluoride that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Professional Treatment
Your dentist can apply a fluoride treatment during a dental visit if he or she recommends it. It is usually applied as a gel or a foam.
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