Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral found in nature, for example in the ocean and the earth's crust. Fluoride is important in dentistry because it helps prevent tooth decay. It prevents tooth decay by making the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, stronger.

Fluoride is found in drinking water (tap water), toothpastes, mouthwash, supplements and materials such as gels, foams and rinses that may be applied during a dental cleaning. At Coldstream Dental, your child's check up appointment will usually include a fluoride treatment.

Toothpastes with fluoride should be used a minimum of twice per day for adults. Children under six should be supervised while brushing to ensure that only a small amount (pea size) of toothpaste is used.

The use of fluoride is a major factor in the decline in prevalence and severity
of dental caries. The Canadian Dental Association supports the use of Fluoride in dentistry as one of the most successful preventive health measures in the history of health care.

Dental Sealants and Your Child

Dental Sealants are plastic coatings applied to the biting or chewing surfaces of back teeth. Back teeth have pits, fissures and grooves. Dental sealants placed in these grooves help prevent decay on the chewing surface.

We recommend that children should have sealants placed on permanent molars as soon as they erupt. Sealants are simple to apply. They are painless and require no drilling.

Sealants are also cost effective because sealing a tooth costs much less than a filling.