Dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments are two of the most effective and affordable tools we have to prevent cavities in children and teens. Protect your child's smile before problems start.
PROVEN PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases in children — but they're largely preventable. At Trusted Dental & Orthodontics in Hawthorne, we use professional fluoride applications and dental sealants as a two-pronged defense against tooth decay, providing your child with maximum protection during their most cavity-vulnerable years.
Both treatments are quick, comfortable, and proven by decades of clinical research. The American Dental Association, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend these preventive treatments as part of a comprehensive dental care program for children and teens.
WHAT WE OFFER
Two simple treatments that provide powerful, long-lasting protection against tooth decay for children, teens, and even some adults.
A thin, protective plastic coating bonded to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria that cause cavities.
A highly concentrated fluoride treatment applied by our dental team that strengthens enamel, prevents new cavities, and can even reverse early-stage decay.
For children in areas with low water fluoride levels, prescription fluoride tablets or drops provide the systemic protection developing teeth need to mineralize properly.
Sealants are checked at every routine visit to ensure they remain intact. They're easily repaired or reapplied if they chip or wear, maintaining continuous protection.
Fluoride isn't just for kids. Adults with dry mouth, gum recession, or high cavity risk also benefit from professional fluoride applications at regular cleanings.
We coach children and parents on brushing technique, flossing, fluoride toothpaste selection, and diet choices to maximize at-home cavity prevention.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Dental sealants and fluoride work through different mechanisms, making them a complementary powerhouse for cavity prevention. Sealants physically block bacteria and food from reaching the deep grooves of back teeth — where 80% of childhood cavities occur. Fluoride works chemically, bonding with enamel to make it more resistant to acid attack from bacteria and strengthening teeth from the inside out.
Together, these treatments create a comprehensive protective barrier that can dramatically reduce your child's cavity rate, saving them from the discomfort of fillings and you from unexpected dental costs.
WHY CHOOSE US
Our preventive-first philosophy means we focus on stopping dental problems before they start — saving you time, money, and discomfort.
We use only BPA-free dental sealant materials that are safe for children and meet the highest standards of the American Dental Association.
Both sealants and fluoride varnish are applied in minutes with no needles and no drilling — making them ideal even for young or anxious patients.
Sealants and fluoride treatments are typically covered by dental insurance for children under 14. We'll check your benefits before the appointment.
We involve parents in every preventive visit, teaching home care strategies that reinforce the protective work we do in the office.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Common questions from Hawthorne parents about dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
We typically recommend sealants when the first permanent molars erupt — around age 6 — and again when second molars come in around age 12. The sooner a sealant is placed after a molar erupts, the better protection it provides before any decay can begin.
Dental sealants typically last 5 to 10 years with proper care. We check them at every routine visit and reapply them as needed. Even partially worn sealants continue to provide some protection, and the entire process of reapplication is quick and painless.
Yes. Fluoride has been used safely in dentistry for over 70 years and is endorsed by the ADA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the WHO. Professional fluoride varnish is applied in a small, controlled amount — much less than what's found in fluoride toothpaste — and is completely safe for children from infancy onward.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover dental sealants and fluoride treatments for children under 14 at 100% as part of preventive care benefits. We'll verify your coverage before your child's appointment and let you know if there's any out-of-pocket cost so there are no surprises.
Sealants and fluoride are quick, affordable, and covered by most insurance plans. Give your child the best cavity protection available at Trusted Dental in Hawthorne.