Fluoride & Sealants in Bloomington, IL: Comprehensive Protection for Your Smile

Even with excellent daily brushing and flossing habits, some areas of your teeth are difficult to reach and keep completely clean. At Nord Dental, we offer professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants as powerful preventive measures to provide an extra layer of defense against tooth decay. Conveniently located near Veterans Parkway, we serve families from Eagle Crest, Tipton Trails, and across the entire Bloomington, IL community with prevention-first dentistry.

Dr. Annie Nord and our skilled hygiene team are dedicated to helping you avoid fillings, crowns, and extensive dental work in the future. By strengthening your enamel and physically shielding vulnerable tooth surfaces, we help our patients maintain cavity-free smiles for life. Call (309) 663-9421 today to schedule your preventive appointment.

Professional Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening Your Defense

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral often called “nature’s cavity fighter.” While you may get some fluoride from your toothpaste and drinking water, our professional fluoride varnish provides a significantly higher, concentrated dose to robustly protect your teeth.

How Fluoride Works

Fluoride works on a microscopic level to rebuild and harden your tooth enamel through a process called remineralization. It replenishes lost minerals like calcium and phosphate, making your teeth more resistant to the acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria and sugars in your diet. It can even reverse early-stage tooth decay before a cavity fully forms.

The Application Process

Receiving a fluoride treatment at Nord Dental is quick, comfortable, and typically done immediately after your professional cleaning. We use a varnish that is painted onto the teeth with a small brush. It sets quickly upon contact with saliva, so you don’t have to wait to close your mouth. You can eat and drink shortly after, though we recommend avoiding hot liquids or crunchy foods for a few hours to allow maximum absorption.

Dental Sealants: A Physical Shield Against Cavities

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and pits where toothbrush bristles often cannot reach, making them prime targets for food particles and bacterial plaque to accumulate.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. They act as a physical barrier, effectively “sealing out” the decay-causing agents.

The Simple Sealant Procedure

Applying sealants is a painless process that requires no drilling or anesthesia. It takes only a few minutes per tooth:

• Cleaning: The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
• Preparation: An acidic gel is applied to slightly roughen the surface, ensuring a strong bond.
• Application: The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth.
• Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant instantly.

Myths vs. Facts: Safety and Efficacy

We understand that patients sometimes have questions about the safety of these treatments. We are committed to transparency and evidence-based care.

• Myth: Fluoride is toxic for children.
• Fact: While ingesting large amounts of fluoride can be harmful, professional varnish is applied topically in controlled, safe doses. The varnish adheres to the teeth and is not intended to be swallowed, making it safe for children.
• Myth: Sealants contain dangerous chemicals.
• Fact: While some sealants historically contained trace amounts of BPA, modern dental materials are heavily regulated. The potential exposure is extremely low—far less than breathing average air or handling a receipt—and the benefit of cavity prevention vastly outweighs any negligible risk.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Preventive care is an investment that pays off by avoiding expensive restorative procedures later. Most dental insurance plans cover fluoride treatments and sealants for children and teenagers up to age 18 at 100%. While adult coverage varies, many patients find the out-of-pocket cost for these treatments to be very affordable compared to the cost of a single filling.

Who Should Consider These Treatments?

These preventive measures are not just for pediatric patients. We recommend them for:

• Children & Teens: Protecting permanent molars as soon as they appear (typically ages 6 and 12) is crucial.
• Adults with Deep Grooves: Anatomy doesn’t change with age; deep crevices remain at risk.
• Dry Mouth Patients: Reduced saliva flow compromises your natural protection, making fluoride essential.
• Recession Risk: Adults with gum recession can benefit from fluoride to protect exposed root surfaces.

What Our Patients Say

“Annie and her staff are very skilled, efficient and all around just great to be around. They will always
take care of mine and my family’s dental needs.”

– Nick Carey, Bloomington, IL

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fluoride safe for my child?

Yes. When applied by a professional, fluoride is safe and highly effective. We follow strict guidelines to ensure optimal protection.

Do I still need to brush if I have sealants?

Yes. Sealants only protect the biting surfaces. You must still brush twice a day and floss daily to protect the smooth sides of your teeth and the areas between them.

How often should I get fluoride?

We typically recommend fluoride application during your regular 6-month checkups. For patients with high cavity risk, Dr. Nord may recommend more frequent applications.

How long do sealants last?

With proper care, sealants can protect teeth for several years. We check them at every examination and can repair or reapply them if they become worn.

Schedule Your Preventive Care in Bloomington

Protecting your smile is easier, cheaper, and more comfortable than repairing it. We are proud members of the Bloomington community and the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.

Call (309) 663-9421 to schedule your visit. Or learn more about our preventive services on our main page.