Sealants And Fluoride
There are many tools your child’s dentist in Redmond, WA, can use to protect their teeth. Dental sealants and fluoride are two tools that can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities, dental decay, and poor oral hygiene. As your child’s dentist, we can help you decide which of these tools are right for your child and administered at what intervals.
What Is Dental Fluoride Treatment?
Dental fluoride in Redmond, WA, helps strengthen your child’s tooth enamel, reverses early tooth decay, and helps prevent cavities. Dental fluoride treatments can take the form of a gel, varnish, or foam.
What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?
Fluoride helps strengthen your child’s teeth. The benefits of fluoride include:
- Reverses early tooth decay
- Prevent the growth of bacteria that causes cavities
- Slows down demineralization and can even remineralize tooth enamel
Is Fluoride Safe?
Fluoride is safe and effective when it is used properly. Your child’s dentist will know how to apply fluoride in such a way that it is safe for your child. Fluoride is found in the water, in toothpaste, and in some other dental products. It’s important to ensure that your child is using dental products properly to avoid problems like the stains on the teeth that can occur when too much fluoride is consumed.
Are There Side Effects of Fluoride?
People who consume too much fluoride may have tooth discoloration. Sometimes dentists can bleach teeth that have become discolored to address this problem. Dental bonding can also help cover stains.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant in Redmond, WA, is a thin coating that is applied to the tooth enamel to protect the teeth from bacteria. Dental sealants can prevent cavities. School-age children without sealants are much more likely to have cavities in their molars than those without sealants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are highly recommended for children to help them in many ways. Some of the benefits of dental sealants include:
- Easy and painless application
- Sealants are long-lasting and protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years
- Sealants offer protection from 50% of cavities for up to 4 years
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last for several years. Your child’s dentist will let you know if your child needs to have their sealants re-applied.
Who Can Get Dental Sealants?
Children benefit from getting dental sealants from an early age, often around 6 years old, when the first molars appear. Your child’s dentist will let you know when it’s a good time for your child to get their first dental sealants.
Make Your Child’s Appointment Today
Dental sealants and fluoride are a standard part of the way we help protect children from dental decay at Grown Smiles Children’s Dentistry. Call today to make an appointment.