Fissure Sealants

Sealants provide a painless and secure method to shield your teeth against decay. This protective plastic coating, applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars, acts as a solid barrier preventing food particles and bacteria from infiltrating the minuscule grooves in your teeth that can lead to decay. Usually, sealants are applied only to molars and sometimes to premolars on the back teeth, which have ‘pits’ (small hollows) and ‘fissures’ (grooves) on their biting surfaces. Following your examination, we'll tell you which teeth should be sealed. Usually around 6-8 years old, sealants are applied as soon as the first permanent teeth appear.

Typically, the procedure is fast and simple, requiring just a few minutes per tooth. The teeth are cleaned meticulously, treated with a special solution, and dried. Afterwards, a liquid sealant is applied and solidified by shining a bright blue light onto it. This entire process is completely painless and leaves the teeth feeling unchanged. These sealants can remain effective for years; however, we conduct regular checks to ensure their continued integrity.

Fluoride

The inclusion of fluoride in dental care plays a significant role in enhancing oral health by fortifying tooth enamel and enhancing resistance against decay. Additionally, it diminishes the production of acid by bacteria on the teeth. Nowadays, fluoride is commonly found in toothpastes, serving as a primary source for most individuals. The quantity of fluoride present in toothpaste generally suffices to decrease the occurrence of decay. Extensive research spanning over six decades has been conducted on adding fluoride to water, demonstrating that fluoridation reduces decay rates between 40 to 60 percent.

When children receive fluoride during their tooth development, it results in less deep grooves in their teeth, making plaque removal easier. Therefore, parents should closely monitor their children's brushing routine and limit the use of fluoride toothpaste to a small amount (about the size of a pea) until they reach around 7 years old.

Excessive fluoride during tooth development leads to 'dental fluorosis', which may occur in children under 7 living in areas with fluoridated water when they take fluoride supplements. The mildest manifestation of dental fluorosis presents as delicate white lines or speckles on the teeth's surface, requiring a dental professional to detect it. Severe cases can result in pitted and discoloured enamel.