Get the Skinny on Fluoride and Sealants from a Children’s Dentist

You want your child to enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles, which is why it is so important for you to make sure they visit their children’s dentist in Buffalo Grove at least twice a year. These routine checkups and cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive dentistry; they will help your little one to establish good habits and adopt a positive view of dentistry. But stopping dental problems before they start may require more than routine exams and sound oral hygiene. Your child may need a fluoride treatment or dental sealants. Let’s talk about what these procedures are and how they can protect your little one’s pearly whites.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that a dentist places on the chewing surface of a permanent tooth. It creates a shield, protecting the tooth from plaque and food particles that would otherwise settle into its deep grooves. It’s best to get sealants placed as soon as a child’s permanent teeth come in. For the first molars, this is usually when a child is 5 – 7 years old. The second set of molars usually appears between ages 11 and 14.

The process for placing sealants is fast and painless. The dentist cleans the teeth, dries them, and then roughens them up slightly with a special solution. Then, the sealants get painted on and hardened with a special light.

At routine checkups after the sealants are placed, your dentist will examine them and may recommend that they be replaced periodically.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that is essential for building and fortifying teeth. It bonds with tooth enamel, thereby helping to replace the tiny bits of it that get worn away throughout the day. It has the power to slow down or even stop the formation of cavities.

Most toothpastes contain fluoride, as do many municipal water supplies. However, if your dentist suspects that your child is not getting enough of this essential mineral, they might recommend a fluoride treatment. This may be in the form of a topical fluoride application after a professional cleaning, or fluoride-containing tablets or a gel that you take home with you.

Some parents dislike the idea of fluoride treatments because they have heard bad things about this mineral. However, it is perfectly safe if it is used in the proper amounts. If you have specific concerns about it, don’t hesitate to ask your kid’s dentist in Buffalo Grove about why they believe fluoride is essential for keeping children’s mouths healthy and strong.

Both dental sealants and fluoride can protect your little one’s smile and get them on the path to a lifetime of healthy teeth. Why not talk to your child’s dentist about these preventive treatments during their next checkup?

About the Author

Dr. Natalya Nagornaya is one of the top general dentists in Buffalo Grove. Her practice is family-oriented, and she loves working with patients of all ages. If you would like Dr. Nagornaya to take a look at your child’s teeth and gums, contact our office at 847-634-2525 to schedule an appointment.