Sealants & Flouride
Sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively "seals" the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start, and is highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your teeth.
Fluoride
The dental community has regarded fluoride as an important mineral for strengthening tooth enamel and general tooth structure for decades. Water fluoridation is endorsed by almost every major health and safety-related organization in the world. Communities commonly "fluoridate" their drinking supplies so that residents can benefit from this inexpensive and effective preventative treatment.
According to the American Dental Association, more than 144 million U.S. residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated water, most from public water supplies with sodium fluoride added artificially. The consistent use of bottled water, however, can result in individuals missing the benefits of optimally fluoridated water. Similarly, home water treatment systems (e.g., water filters) can affect optimally fluoridated water supplies.
The use of fluoride does not come without risks. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children may face a condition called enamel fluorosis if they receive too much fluoride during the years of tooth development. This condition can result in defects in tooth enamel.