Why We Recommend Fluoride & Sealants

We recommend drinking tap water, using fluoridated toothpaste, receiving professional fluoride treatments, and getting sealants. This is because we believe prevention is the best way to address tooth decay!

Preventing Decay & Cavities

Tooth decay are weakened areas of enamel, the outer layer of teeth. If these areas are not fortified, they become permanently damaged. Holes, called cavities, can form in your enamel that then advance into your dentin (the middle layer of teeth), and then down into the pulp. Cavities cause pain, sensitivity, and infection.

Fluoride treatments and sealants are affordable and simple ways to help protect your teeth from cavities, which can be very painful and result in bad breath and tooth loss.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in rocks, soil, and water. It’s also added to many dental products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. Research consistently shows that fluoride strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities, and can even reverse early tooth decay through remineralization for both children and adults.

How Sealants Work

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, called the molars. Sealants are painted into the molars’ grooves and nooks to “seal” these grooves with a barrier against food debris and bacteria. We recommend children get sealants as soon as their permanent back teeth come in. Sealants can usually last a decade and will harmlessly dissolve as you age.

Preventive Dentistry at CarolinasDentist

While fluoride treatments and sealants are especially important for children, any patient that would like to better protect their permanent teeth can get them! At our offices, we’re proud to provide children’s dentistry and preventive dental care, as well as restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, and more.

If you have questions about anything or want to schedule an appointment at one of our locations, please contact us today!