Sealants and Fluoride – Pediatric

As a parent, the last thing you want is for your child to get a cavity. Children are often at a higher risk of developing tooth decay – usually because of sugary diets and poor hygiene habits. Cavities can be painful, troublesome, and expensive. Fortunately, there are treatments available to provide your little one with an added layer of protection. At Smiles on the Boulevard, we can use sealant and fluoride treatments to protect your child from cavities and keep their smile healthy!

How Can Sealants Help My Child?

Sealants are thin layers of resin that protect teeth from decay. Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria in the mouth and can quickly lead to cavities. The longer your child waits to brush their teeth, the more likely this will happen. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find time to brush and floss after every bite of candy or dessert. That is where sealants come in.

For this treatment, Dr. Hawkins will paint a thin layer of composite resin over the chewing surface of your child’s back teeth. After it hardens, the sealant will act as a protective shield and keep out harmful bacteria and food debris. Because sealants smoothen the bumpy surface of the teeth, they can also make brushing easier and more effective! Sealants are a quick, cost-efficient way to protect your child’s teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can strengthen your child’s teeth. Over time, fluoride builds up a protective layer of minerals over the surface of the enamel. When enough of these minerals have built up on the teeth, they can protect them from cavities and certain acids.

Fluoride can be found in a variety of places – from dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash to public drinking water. Because fluoride is a natural mineral, most water sources contain small amounts of it. Since it is so beneficial for oral health, many cities add additional fluoride to their public drinking water. In these small doses, fluoride is completely harmless and will help keep your child’s smile healthy and cavity-free!

If your little one is not receiving enough fluoride in their day-to-day life, Dr. Hawkins may recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments are quick, inexpensive, and long-lasting.

Is Fluoride Safe for Children?

Yes! In the recommended quantities, fluoride is completely safe for both children and adults. However, it is important to keep your child from eating toothpaste. If they ingest too much fluoride, it may cause permanent stains on the surface of their teeth.

To learn more about how sealant and fluoride treatments can keep your child healthy and safe, please call our office at 740-423-8416.