Fluoride Treatment and Dental Sealants
Silver Spring, Maryland
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
At My Kids Dental Center, we believe in prevention rather than treating cavities after they develop. We're proud to offer dental sealants and fluoride treatments, two highly effective preventive procedures to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay. We're all about maintaining healthy smiles for life!
How We Help You and Your Child Feel Right at Home
My Kids Dental Center is more than a pediatric dentistry practice. It is a safe and happy place that we hope you and your child will come to love. We've considered every detail and worked hard to create an exciting and enjoyable space for your little one. From our seamless transitions to our beautiful office and cutting-edge, compassionate care, expect a one-of-its-kind pediatric dentistry experience!
Dental Sealants - An Overview
Aside from brushing and flossing, dental sealants provide a safety net to help keep your little one's premolars and molars clean and healthy. These back teeth have grooves and crevices on their chewing surfaces called pits and fissures, which trap food particles and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a clear plastic material that adheres to the chewing surfaces of your child's premolars and molars. That forms a shield, essentially sealing out food debris and bacteria. Studies show that dental sealants reduce the risk of cavities by almost 80 percent!
At My Kids Dental Center, we recommend applying dental sealants right from the start. The first molars typically appear around age 6, and the second set comes in around age 12. Treating them with dental sealants as soon as they erupt will ensure they stay healthy and cavity-free for years to come.
Fluoride Treatments - An Overview
Fluoride is a mineral recognized for its significant role in strengthening teeth and making them more resistant to decay. It is found in water, certain foods, soil, plants, rocks, and even the air.
Fluoride does more than prevent tooth decay. It also remineralizes weak tooth enamel, repairing the early stages of tooth decay. Moreover, it slows down the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Professional fluoride treatment is considered one of the safest and most effective ways of lowering the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Most public water systems in the US provide fluoridated water. However, bottled water, private wells, and water from home treatment systems may not contain fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste and fluoride-rich foods usually provide adequate amounts of fluoride. However, we recommend applying fluoride to your child's teeth if they are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Dr. Cargill will evaluate your child's oral health and unique needs to determine whether in-office fluoride treatments are required.
Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants Combined
While dental sealants protect the premolars and molars from bacteria and acid attacks, fluoride treatments work to strengthen and rebuild your little one's tooth enamel. One study found that combining sealants and fluoride treatments works better than fluoride varnish alone. Dr. Cargill will recommend one or both of these highly effective preventive treatments to maintain your child's healthy smile.
Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants Near Me
Are you considering dental sealants or fluoride treatments for your child? Dr. Cargill will assess your little unique needs and determine the best preventive procedures to keep those pearly whites healthy and cavity-free for years to come. We invite you to contact our Silver Spring office to schedule your child's dental appointment or request one online today!