Brushing and flossing are the foundation of a healthy smile, but some areas of the mouth are hard to keep clean no matter how careful you are. That is where two of dentistry’s most effective preventive tools come in: dental sealants and fluoride. Dental sealants and fluoride are quick, painless, and backed by decades of research.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria easily get trapped, and toothbrush bristles cannot always reach the bottom. A sealant fills in those grooves and creates a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean.
How sealants are applied
- The tooth is cleaned and dried.
- A mild solution is applied to help the sealant bond, then rinsed off.
- The sealant is painted onto the grooves and hardened with a special light.
The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth, with no drilling and no numbing. Sealants can last several years, and we check them at each visit.
Who should get sealants?
Children and teens benefit most, ideally as soon as their permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12. Adults with deep grooves and no fillings in their back teeth may benefit too.
How fluoride protects teeth
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and helps repair the earliest stages of tooth decay before a cavity forms. It also makes teeth more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria.
Ways to get fluoride
- Fluoride toothpaste: The easiest daily source for everyone.
- Community water: Many public water supplies contain fluoride. If you use well water, ask us whether your family might need additional fluoride.
- Professional fluoride treatments: A varnish or gel applied in the office gives teeth a concentrated boost. It takes about a minute and is especially helpful for children and adults at higher risk of cavities.
Who benefits from extra protection?
Extra fluoride and sealants are especially useful for people who have had cavities recently, wear braces, have dry mouth, have exposed root surfaces, or find it hard to brush thoroughly.
Why dental sealants are worth it
Dental sealants are one of the best ways to protect molars from decay, which is easier than treating it. Learn more in our guide to cavities and tooth decay. The CDC also explains how sealants and fluoride protect teeth on its oral health page.
Prevention is easier than repair
Preventing a cavity is faster, more comfortable, and less expensive than filling one. At your family’s next checkup at Michiana Family Dental, ask whether sealants or fluoride treatments are a good fit. It is a small step that can make a big difference.