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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sealants and Fluoride Treatment in Wilsonville
Sealants protect the grooves of back teeth and fluoride strengthens enamel. Wilsonville parents can ask whether these preventive steps suit their child in Port Dover.
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Caring for Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WilsonvilleExtra protection for young teeth
Two simple treatments that can help prevent cavities.
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria can hide, making them prone to cavities. Sealants are thin protective coatings painted into these grooves. Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride applied to teeth to help strengthen enamel. Both are quick, painless preventive measures often recommended for children at higher risk of decay.
Wilsonville parents can ask about sealants and fluoride at their child’s next checkup at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider your child’s teeth, habits and decay risk and explain whether these treatments are likely to be helpful.
How they help
Each treatment protects teeth in a different way.
What sealants do
Sealants form a barrier over the grooves of molars and premolars, keeping out food and bacteria. They are often placed soon after permanent molars come in, around ages six and twelve, when these teeth are most vulnerable. Sealants can also be used on baby teeth or adult teeth with deep grooves.
What fluoride does
Fluoride strengthens enamel and can help reverse very early decay. Professional fluoride varnish provides a higher concentration than toothpaste and is applied at the office. It is often recommended for children with a history of cavities, orthodontic appliances or other risk factors.
Who benefits
The dentist considers your child’s individual risk.
Factors that increase risk
Children with deep grooves, previous cavities, frequent snacking, difficulty brushing, braces or dry mouth may benefit more from sealants and fluoride. Family history of decay can also be a factor. The dentist will assess these risks and explain the reasoning behind any recommendation.
When treatment may be less needed
Children with very low decay risk and shallow grooves may need these treatments less. The dentist may suggest focusing on daily habits and regular checkups. Recommendations can change as your child grows, so they are reviewed at future visits.
The appointment
Both treatments are quick and comfortable.
Placing sealants
The teeth are cleaned and dried. A gentle solution is applied to help the sealant bond, then rinsed off. The sealant liquid is painted into the grooves and hardened with a curing light. No freezing or drilling is usually needed. The process takes only a few minutes per tooth.
Applying fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth with a small brush. It sets quickly when it contacts saliva. Your child may notice a slightly sticky feeling or temporary yellowish tint. You will receive instructions about eating and brushing afterward.
Afterward
A little care helps treatments work well.
Caring for sealants
Sealants can last several years but may wear or chip. The dentist will check them at checkups and repair or replace them if needed. Discourage chewing ice or hard candy. Sealants do not replace brushing, flossing or limiting sugary snacks.
After fluoride varnish
Follow the instructions you are given, which often include avoiding hard or sticky foods and hot drinks for a short time and waiting before brushing. Fluoride varnish may be reapplied at regular intervals based on your child’s risk.
Planning your appointment
Preventive care for Wilsonville children.
Ask about sealants and fluoride when booking your child’s checkup at our Port Dover office. The dentist will discuss whether these treatments are recommended and explain when they could be scheduled.
Let the team know about any allergies or sensitivities your child has, and mention if your home uses well water rather than municipal water.
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. Sealants are painted on without drilling or freezing. Your child may notice a slight taste or the sensation of the coating.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last several years but may wear down. The dentist checks them at each visit and can touch them up if needed.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Professional fluoride is applied in controlled amounts and is widely used to help prevent decay. Ask the dentist any questions about fluoride for your child.
Do adults get sealants?
Sometimes. Adults with deep grooves and no decay may benefit. The dentist can assess whether sealants are appropriate.
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. Sealants protect only the chewing surfaces. Brushing, flossing and limiting sugary snacks remain essential.
Checkups and cavity care for kids
Children’s Dentistry →Children’s Dental Exams →
Regular checkups follow how a child’s teeth, bite and habits change with age. Wilsonville parents can book children’s exams at our family office in Port Dover.
Children’s Cavity Treatment →
Children do not always say when a tooth hurts. Wilsonville parents can learn how decay is checked, why early care helps with chewing and how to prevent more.