Prevention, Madison

Dental sealants and fluoride for kids in Madison: a quick shield for growing teeth.

Sealants and fluoride are two simple ways to help protect children teeth from cavities. Both take a few minutes, neither needs numbing, and the dentist will tell you whether your child is a good fit.

A few minutesfor each, in the dental chair
No numbingbecause nothing is drilled
Back teethare where sealants help most

(608) 555-0129

The idea

The best cavity is the one that never starts. Sealants cover the deep grooves where food hides, and fluoride helps make enamel stronger. Together with brushing, they do a lot of quiet work.

Scene 1

The visit

How a sealant is put on, step by step.

01
Show and tell

We show the little brush and the blue light, and let your child hold the light.
02
Clean and dry

The tooth is cleaned and dried with a gentle puff of air. It can feel a little cool.
03
Paint it on

A thin liquid is painted into the grooves of the tooth. Children often say it tastes like nothing at all.
04
A blue light

A small light makes the sealant set in a few seconds, tooth by tooth.
05
Check and go

The dentist checks the sealant, and your child picks a sticker. Eating normally is usually fine right away.

Fluoride

Where fluoride shows up.

Fluoride varnish

A sticky coat painted on the teeth at a visit. It takes a minute, tastes mild and sets quickly.

Toothpaste

A small amount of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day, is the everyday source.

Drinking water

Many communities add fluoride to tap water. Ask us if you use filtered or well water.

The right amount

Too much is not better. We help you use the right amount for your child age and weight.

Compared

Sealants and fluoride varnish side by side.

What matters	Sealant	Fluoride varnish
What it does	Covers deep grooves so food cannot sit in them	Helps strengthen enamel
Which teeth	Back teeth with deep grooves, baby or adult	All teeth
Time in the chair	A few minutes per tooth	About a minute
How often	Checked at each exam, replaced if worn	Often every three to six months
Needs numbing	No	No

Good to know

What sealants and fluoride can and cannot do.

Sealants and fluoride reduce the chance of cavities in the teeth they protect. They do not make teeth cavity-proof, and they do not replace brushing, flossing or a balanced diet. Results vary from child to child.

If you have questions about the materials, ask us. We are happy to show you what is used and why, and to explain the options for your child.

Help, not a guarantee of no cavities
Checked at every exam and replaced if worn
Worked in alongside brushing at home
Questions about materials welcome

A bright bathroom sink with toothbrushes, a sand timer and sunlight

Keep reading

FAQ

Questions about sealants and fluoride

Still wondering? Call (608) 555-0129.

At what age do sealants make sense?

Usually when the first adult molars come in, around age six, and again with the second molars around twelve. The dentist checks the grooves and advises.

Is fluoride safe for children?

Used in the right amount, fluoride is a widely used way to help protect teeth. We explain the right amount for your child age, and we are glad to answer questions about it.

Does a sealant hurt to put on?

No. Nothing is drilled and no numbing is needed. The tooth is cleaned, dried and painted, and then a small light is used.

How long does a sealant last?

It depends on the tooth and on what your child bites. We check sealants at each exam and replace one if it has worn. Results vary.

Do sealants replace brushing?

No. They are one layer of protection. Brushing, flossing and a balanced diet remain essential.

Will insurance help?

Many plans cover part of sealants and fluoride for children. We check your plan before the visit and give you a written estimate.

Madison, Wisconsin

Ready for a calm first hello?

Tell us a little about your child. We reply within one business day, explain exactly what the visit will look like, and you stay in the room the whole time.

(608) 555-0129

Monday to Thursday	8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am to 2:00 pm
First Saturday of the month	9:00 am to 1:00 pm, family Saturday
Other weekends	Closed

Dental sealants and fluoride for kids in Madison: a quick shield for growing teeth.

How a sealant is put on, step by step.

Show and tell

Clean and dry

Paint it on

A blue light

Check and go