Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sealants and Fluoride Treatment in Silver Hill
Sealants guard the grooves of back teeth and fluoride strengthens enamel. Silver Hill parents can learn who benefits, how each is applied and how long it lasts.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Silver Hill patients are cared for at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Silver HillExtra armour for young teeth
Two simple treatments can help children avoid cavities.
Back teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria easily hide, and young enamel is still maturing. Sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars to seal those grooves. Fluoride, applied as a varnish or gel, strengthens enamel and can help reverse very early decay. Both are quick, painless and often recommended for children at higher risk of cavities.
Families in Silver Hill can ask about sealants and fluoride during their child’s checkup at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look at your child’s teeth, consider their cavity risk and explain whether either treatment would be helpful, and when it might best be applied.
Who benefits
Recommendations depend on your child’s teeth and risk.
Children who may need sealants
Sealants are commonly placed on permanent molars soon after they come in, often around ages six and twelve, because these teeth are most vulnerable in the first few years. Children with deep grooves, previous cavities or difficulty brushing back teeth may benefit most. Sometimes sealants are placed on baby molars or adult premolars if the dentist thinks they would help.
When fluoride treatments help
Fluoride varnish may be recommended for children with early signs of decay, frequent cavities, braces, dry mouth or diets high in sugar. Children who drink well water without fluoride may also benefit, which is worth mentioning for rural households. The dentist will consider your child’s overall risk when deciding how often fluoride should be applied.
Applying sealants
Sealants are placed in a quick, painless visit.
Preparing the tooth
The tooth is cleaned and dried, and a mild solution is applied to the chewing surface to help the sealant bond. This is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again. Keeping the tooth dry is important, so cotton rolls or a small device may be used. No freezing or drilling is usually needed for sealants on healthy teeth.
Painting and setting the sealant
The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a special light. The dentist checks that it is well bonded and does not interfere with the bite. The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth. Children can eat and drink normally afterward unless they are told otherwise.
Fluoride applications
Fluoride helps enamel resist acid and repair early damage.
What fluoride does
Fluoride makes enamel more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria and helps rebuild areas that have started to weaken. Fluoride toothpaste provides daily protection, while professional applications provide a stronger, concentrated dose. Combined with good brushing and diet, fluoride is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children.
Applying varnish
Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth with a small brush. It sets quickly and may feel slightly sticky. Your child may be asked to avoid eating hard or hot foods and to skip brushing for a few hours so the varnish can work. The dentist will explain any specific instructions after it has been applied.
Long-term care
Protection lasts longest with regular checks and good habits.
Checking sealants at each visit
Sealants can last several years but may wear or chip over time. The dentist checks them at regular visits and can repair or replace them if needed. Fluoride applications are repeated at intervals suited to your child’s risk. Bring up any concerns, such as a sealant that feels rough, so it can be checked promptly.
Daily habits that support protection
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces but not the spaces between teeth, so brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth are still essential. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks reduces cavity risk. Parents should help with brushing until children can do it thoroughly themselves.
Planning your appointment
Adding protection at your child’s next visit
When booking your child’s checkup at our Port Dover office, ask whether sealants or fluoride might be recommended. This can often be done during a regular visit, saving an extra trip from Silver Hill.
Let the team know if your household uses well water or if your child has had cavities recently. Both details help guide the recommendation.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Sealant and fluoride questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Do sealants hurt?
No. Placing sealants usually involves no drilling or freezing. The tooth is cleaned, a solution is applied, and the sealant is painted on and hardened with a light. Most children find the process quick and easy, and it takes only a few minutes per tooth.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last several years with normal wear. The dentist checks them at each visit and can repair or replace them if they chip or wear down. Avoiding chewing ice and hard candy helps sealants last longer, along with regular dental visits.
Is fluoride safe for children?
When used as recommended, fluoride is considered safe and effective for preventing cavities. The dentist will advise how much toothpaste to use for your child’s age and whether professional fluoride applications are appropriate based on their risk.
Do adults ever get sealants?
Sometimes. Adults with deep grooves and no fillings in those teeth may benefit, particularly if they have a higher risk of decay. Sealants are most common in children, but the dentist can discuss whether they would help an adult in your household.
Can sealants be placed over cavities?
Sealants are generally placed on healthy teeth or very early enamel changes. If a cavity has formed, a filling is usually needed instead. The dentist will check the tooth carefully before placing a sealant to make sure it is the right choice.
More ways to protect children’s teeth
Children’s Dentistry →Children’s Dental Exams →
A child’s checkup tracks growth, new teeth and early decay. See what happens at a children’s exam in Port Dover and how Silver Hill parents can help.
Children’s Cavity Treatment →
Baby teeth with cavities still matter. Silver Hill parents can learn how decay is found, what treatment involves and how to help a child feel ready.