What are dental sealants?
Sealants are made from tooth-colored acrylic and applied on the surface of the molars and premolars to prevent cavities. The grooves on the surfaces of these teeth can house thousands of microbes though they seem just as wide as a small crack. Minute food particles and other debris may also get accumulated in them, thereby driving up the chances of getting cavities. The sealants prevent this by completely sealing off the grooves to the microbes and food particles in the mouth.
How is fluoride treatment carried out?
The dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth to get rid of the food debris and tartar deposits. Next, we will apply a topical fluoride-rich gel on the teeth and spread it evenly. In some instances, foam or varnish may also be used as an alternative to the gel. It will be allowed to stay on the surface of the teeth for a few minutes, after which it will be rinsed off. As a preventive measure, fluoride treatment is widely recommended for children and teenagers as they tend to consume a lot of sugary foods, which can lead to cavities.