Fluoride Treatments & Dental Sealants in Dallas
Give your teeth additional protection with professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Ideal for children and adults at higher risk for cavities.
Professional Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride treatments provide concentrated fluoride that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. These treatments contain higher fluoride concentrations than over the counter toothpastes and mouthwashes, offering enhanced protection against tooth decay. The fluoride application takes just a few minutes and can be applied as a gel, foam, rinse or varnish.
How Fluoride Strengthens Teeth
Fluoride works by remineralizing tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in your mouth. It helps reverse early stages of tooth decay and slows down the demineralization process. Researchers explain that fluoride inhibits the loss of minerals from enamel, reduces bacterial activity and promotes the remineralization of early lesions.
Studies show that fluoride can reduce cavities by approximately 25% when used properly. Regular fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children whose teeth are still developing and for adults with a high risk of cavities.
Dental Sealants for Cavity Prevention
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities often develop. The sealant material flows into the deep grooves and pits of molars and premolars, creating a smooth surface that's easier to clean and less likely to trap food and bacteria. Sealants are most commonly applied to children's permanent molars as soon as they erupt, but adults can benefit from them too.
The Sealant Application Process
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and requires no anesthesia. We first clean and dry the tooth surface, then apply a special gel to help the sealant bond properly. The sealant material is painted onto the tooth's grooves and hardened with a curing light. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth. With proper care, sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years.
Effectiveness of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants act as a barrier between tooth enamel and decay causing bacteria. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of first and second molars can prevent about 80% of cavities in these teeth for the first two years and still offer up to 50% protection after four years.
First 2 Years
Up to 80% cavity prevention in treated molars
After 4 Years
Still 50% protection against decay
Best Results
Applied soon after molars erupt (ages 6 and 12)
Who Benefits from These Treatments?
Children and teenagers are ideal candidates for both fluoride treatments and sealants, as their teeth are more susceptible to decay. Adults who have a history of cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, or frequent snacking may also benefit from regular fluoride treatments. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or those with medical conditions that increase cavity risk should consider these preventive measures.
Maintaining Your Protective Treatments
While fluoride treatments and sealants provide excellent protection, they're not substitutes for daily oral hygiene. Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and maintain regular dental checkups. We'll monitor your sealants during routine visits and can reapply them if needed. Avoid chewing on ice or hard objects that might damage sealants.
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