Since sealants usually only go on the ridges of the back teeth, your child’s premolars and molars have to grow in first. Your child can start receiving fluoride when any of their teeth first grow in!
Fluoride Treatment in Herndon
Fight Off Cavities with Fluoride and Sealants
Our Fluoride and Sealants Help Keep Cavities Away
There’s enough balls to juggle as a parent! Trust our preventative care to take fighting cavities off your to-do list.
At Hero Pediatric Dentistry, our sealants and fluoride treatment in Herndon protect kids from getting those pesky cavities.
Fluoride and Sealants Overview
Fluoride, a vital mineral essential for tooth health, is commonly found in our water, food, and toothpaste. It plays a crucial role in repairing tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay, making it a key treatment used by pediatric dentists to help prevent cavities. Similarly, dental sealants, which are a thin plastic coating, are applied to the teeth to effectively prevent plaque buildup in the grooves, further safeguarding dental health.
What They Do
Fluoride and sealants help prevent:
Tooth decay
Cavities
Plaque buildup
Gum disease
How Fluoride and Sealants Work
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are two critical preventive measures in pediatric dentistry, significantly reducing the likelihood of cavities. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is used in treatments to strengthen the enamel, the outermost layer of the teeth. When applied to a child’s teeth, fluoride integrates into the enamel, making it more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of cavities. It’s particularly beneficial for children, who are more prone to cavities due to their developing oral hygiene habits and a higher likelihood of consuming sugary foods and drinks.
Dental sealants provide a physical barrier against food particles and plaque. These sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – the molars and premolars – where most cavities in children are found. By filling in the grooves and depressions on these surfaces, sealants prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped and causing decay.
What to Expect
Fluoride and sealants are applied through a simple, painless and child-friendly process. Your child’s pediatric dentist in Herndon, VA, first cleans the child’s teeth for fluoride treatment to remove any plaque or food particles. Then, a high-concentration fluoride gel, foam, or varnish is applied directly to the teeth using a brush, tray, or mouthwash. This fluoride solution is left on the teeth for a few minutes to allow for maximum absorption before the child is instructed to spit it out, ensuring minimal ingestion.
When applying sealants, our children’s dentist thoroughly cleans and dries the tooth before applying an acidic gel to slightly roughen the tooth’s surface for better adhesion. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the dentist paints the sealant onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly and is hardened with a special curing light, forming a protective shield over the tooth’s surface.
Why Come to Us for Sealant and Fluoride Treatment in Herndon
Fun & Kid-Friendly
We make sure our office is fun and kid-friendly with engaging activities and welcoming staff.
Educational & Empathetic
We always answer any questions you may have and provide detailed instructions on at-home dental care.
Compassionate & Gentle
We know the dentist can be anxiety-inducing, which is why we are compassionate and gentle with your child to make them feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fluoride and Sealants
Fluoride varnish protects teeth for around 3 to 6 months, which is why it’s usually applied at every teeth cleaning. Sealants are much more permanent and can protect your child’s teeth for 5 to 10 years!
Since they’re preventative, most fluoride and sealant treatments for children are covered by insurance, but we’ll work with you to determine the exact details of your plan when you come in for your child’s visit.
Dental sealants are meant to be applied to healthy teeth without decay. If a tooth already has a cavity or shows signs of decay, the dentist will first treat the decay, often with a filling, before considering the application of a sealant. The primary purpose of sealants is to prevent cavities, not to treat them.
No, fluoride treatments and dental sealants do not replace the need for regular brushing and flossing. These treatments are preventive measures that work in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices. Children should continue to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to maintain overall oral health.
Dental sealants are safe and effective for children, providing a physical barrier to protect the teeth from decay. They are made from medical-grade plastic and are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most cavities in children occur. Sealants can last for several years, but they should be checked regularly by your Herndon pediatric dentist for wear and tear.
We Offer the Best Preventative Dental Care in Herndon
Fluoride treatments and sealants are essential to keeping cavities away!