Dental Sealants & Fluoride Treatments

Protect Your Teeth From Cavities & Decay

Your teeth naturally have deep grooves in them that help you chew your food. However, the problem is that these grooves can collect food, bacteria, and plaque if they are not properly and regularly cleaned.

Sealants and fluoride treatments help guard your teeth against the food and bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Sealants are tooth-colored and work as a barrier for the tooth when applied to the biting surface of premolars and molars. Fluoride is simply applied as a rinse, foam, gel, or varnish.

dental sealants in little rock

Dental Sealants in Little Rock

It is easy for food and bacteria to exist within the deep grooves of your molars and premolars and cause cavities, that is why good oral habits and regular cleanings are important. Although, sometimes good oral habits are not enough; luckily, you can protect your teeth and prevent tooth decay with dental sealants in Little Rock.

Protecting Your Teeth and Preventing Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants

If you are properly cleaning your teeth, brushing at least twice a day, and flossing, as well as maintaining a low sugar diet, you should be well protected from cavities. However, for some people, that is not enough. Some people are more prone to cavities from a genetic standpoint, combined with other contributing factors. Often older children are the most prone as their diet and oral health habits are slightly more challenging to control. For these reasons, we do our best to look out for your oral health and provide more options to keep the cavities away, like with dental sealants in Little Rock. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants (FAQ)

What is a Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant consists of a plastic layer that is applied to the rigid teeth, which are the premolars and molars. The sealants provide a barrier between the tooth and food, and bacteria. Dental sealants have proven to protect the teeth from cavities and decay. 

How Beneficial Are Dental Sealants?

Time and time again, dental sealants have proven to be strong shields against plaque build-up and tooth decay. This means the tooth is no longer vulnerable to permanent damage from said decay. However, the success of a dental sealant is strongly dependent on the adherence of the sealant to your teeth. 

Another great benefit of dental sealants is their ability to prevent further decay in an existing cavity. Studies have shown that when a dental sealant is applied to a tooth with minor decay, the cavity no longer advances. This is due to the deprivation of nutrients to the existing bacteria causing the tooth’s cavity. If the adherence of the dental sealant to the tooth is compromised, then the dental sealant will no longer be effective. 

Who’s a Good Candidate For Dental Sealants in Fort Worth? 

Children are excellent candidates for dental sealants as they are more vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even recommends that children have dental sealants as a part of their regular preventive oral care. It is also vital that children have regular cleanings and checkups and a limited sugar intake. While children benefit a great deal from dental sealants, people of all ages will also find the treatment very beneficial.  

Dental sealants in Little Rock not only prevent cavities but they help with existing cavities. While fillings only last between an average of six and eight years, it is recommended that sealants are used in conjunction with fillings to save money and time down the line. 

How is Sealant Applied to Teeth?

First, the surface of the tooth is cleaned. After the cleaning, the tooth will need to be rinsed. The tooth is then dried, and a pre-sealant substance is applied to prepare the tooth. The tooth is dried again, and finally, the sealant is painted on and left to harden. 

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

With proper care and good oral health habits, dental sealants can last between five and ten years. 

Fluoride Treatments in Little Rock

Fluoride treatments have the same goal of dental sealants in that they help protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Fluoride treatments are applied via a rinse, gel, foam, or varnish. Fluoride is different in that it is a mineral that fights tooth decay and not a physical sealant.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in food and water. Fluoride treatments in Little Rock use applications that are much more highly concentrated than that of what is found in your water or toothpaste. 

How Do Fluoride Treatments Work?

Fluoride treatments help restore minerals to your teeth’s surfaces where plaque and bacteria have potentially eroded some of the enamel. The treatments are applied via a brush, tray, or mouthwash. The treatments are quick and effective. Often you will be asked to avoid food or drinks for 30 minutes before and after treatment. 

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?

Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and protects them against potential cavities and decay. It is beneficial for both children and adults. It is a natural mineral so it does not pose any threat to one’s health in the proper dosage. Studies have found that just by drinking fluoridated water you are 40 to 60 percent less likely to get cavities. 

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment For Fluoride Treatments & Dental Sealants in Little Rock

If you would like to know more about our dental sealant procedure and fluoride treatments, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

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