| Allan I. Abolafia, D.D.S. |  |
Allen W. Ackerman, D.D.S. |
| THE TOOTH TRIBUNE |
MORE WAYS TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD'S DENTAL WELL-BEING:
FLUORIDE AND ENAMEL
Enamel, the hardest substance in the body, forms the outermost layer of the tooth, protecting it
from decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance
that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Fluoride also acts with the minerals in saliva to restore and harden
enamel that has been damaged by the early stages of decay.
The main source of fluoride for your child's teeth is in drinking water. There are mouth rinses and toothpastes that also contain fluoride.
Your dentist will discuss the options available to you, including
special fluoride treatments that can be applied to your child's teeth.
SEALANTS
At one of your child's later visits to the dentist, sealants will be discussed. Sealants are special plastic coatings that your dentist can apply to the chewing surfaces of your child's permanent teeth. Sealants are primarily applied to the back teeth, where most cavities occur. They form a barrier that keeps food and bacteria out of the small grooves in the tooth's enamel; places where a toothbrush, even properly used, cannot reach. Remarkably, sealants are nearly 100% effective in preventing decay in back teeth!