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 Tillsonburg
Sealants and fluoride varnish add protection against cavities. Which children benefit, how each is applied and aftercare tips for Tillsonburg families.
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.
Tillsonburg patients are welcome at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Tillsonburg patientsExtra defence for young teeth
Simple preventive steps can help keep cavities away.
Sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where deep grooves can trap food and bacteria. Fluoride treatments apply a concentrated fluoride varnish or gel that helps strengthen enamel. Both are preventive measures that may lower the risk of cavities, especially for children at higher risk.
Tillsonburg families can ask about sealants and fluoride during children’s checkups at our Port Dover office. Because these treatments are usually quick, they can often be added to a regular visit, which helps make the most of each trip.
Who benefits
The dentist considers each child’s risk.
Children who may benefit from sealants
Sealants are commonly placed on permanent molars soon after they come in, typically around ages six and twelve, though timing varies. Children with deep grooves, a history of cavities or difficulty brushing back teeth may benefit most. The dentist will check whether the teeth are suitable and free of decay first.
When fluoride treatments are suggested
Fluoride varnish may be recommended for children with early signs of decay, frequent snacking, braces or other risk factors. The dentist considers fluoride from toothpaste and other sources when making a recommendation. Ask why fluoride is suggested and how often it should be applied.
Sealant application
Sealant placement is quick and painless.
Cleaning and preparing the tooth
The tooth is cleaned and dried, and a mild solution is applied to help the sealant stick. The surface is rinsed and dried again. No freezing or drilling is usually needed. Keeping the tooth dry is important, so the team may use cotton or a small suction tool during this step.
Applying and hardening the sealant
The sealant is painted into the grooves and hardened with a special light. The dentist checks the bite and makes sure it is smooth. Your child can usually eat normally right after. Ask the team to show you which teeth were sealed so you can watch them at home.
Fluoride application
Fluoride is brushed onto the teeth in minutes.
How fluoride is applied
Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth with a small brush. It sets quickly when it contacts saliva. Some children notice a slight taste or sticky feeling. The process is fast and well tolerated by most children. Let the team know if your child has allergies or sensitivities.
Instructions after fluoride
After varnish, the team may advise avoiding hot drinks, crunchy foods or brushing for a few hours so the fluoride can stay on the teeth. Follow the specific instructions you receive. The varnish wears off naturally, and teeth may look slightly yellow until it does.
Ongoing protection
Prevention works best combined with daily care.
Checking sealants at checkups
Sealants can wear or chip over time, so the dentist checks them at regular visits and repairs or replaces them if needed. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces only, so brushing and cleaning between teeth remain important. Contact the Port Dover office if a sealant seems to have come off.
Keeping up good habits
Brush twice daily with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals and keep up with regular checkups. Ask the team for advice tailored to your child’s risk. Prevention helps reduce the need for fillings and longer appointments down the road.
Planning your appointment
Add prevention to your Tillsonburg family’s next visit.
Call our Port Dover office to ask whether sealants or fluoride can be added to your child’s checkup. The team can discuss suitability and timing.
Let the team know about any allergies, past cavities or concerns about your child’s brushing routine.
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.
Are sealants safe for children?
Sealants are widely used and considered a safe preventive measure. The dentist can answer questions about the materials used and why they are recommended for your child, so you can make an informed choice about whether to go ahead.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last several years but may wear or chip. The dentist checks them at regular visits and repairs or replaces them as needed. Good daily brushing helps them stay effective, and you can let the office know if one seems to be missing.
Is fluoride varnish necessary if my child uses fluoride toothpaste?
Toothpaste provides daily protection, while varnish offers a concentrated boost for children at higher risk. The dentist will consider your child’s risk factors and other fluoride sources before recommending it, and will explain the reasons.
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. Sealants protect the grooves on chewing surfaces only. Brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth and limiting sugary snacks are still essential to prevent cavities on other surfaces of the teeth.
Can adults get sealants?
Sealants are mostly placed on children’s teeth, but adults with deep grooves and no decay may benefit in some cases. Ask the dentist whether they would be suitable for you during your next examination.
More ways to protect children’s teeth
Children’s Dentistry →Children’s Dental Exams →
A child’s dental exam tracks growth as well as cavities. Tillsonburg parents can see what our Port Dover team checks and how to make the trip easier for kids.
Children’s Cavity Treatment →
Baby teeth decay quickly. Tillsonburg parents will find how a child’s cavity is assessed, which treatments may be offered and how to prepare them.