WEBVTT

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Did you know that

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according to the centers

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for Disease Control and Prevention,

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tooth decay

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is the most prevalent

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chronic disease in children?

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Good home care

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and a proper diet are essential

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to preventing tooth decay.

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Your child's dentist may also recommend

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two professional services

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to help prevent tooth decay.

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Fluoride treatment and dental sealants.

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Fluoride is a mineral

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that is naturally found in water

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and many foods.

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While your child receives

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a certain amount of fluoride

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from his or her diet

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and from using toothpaste

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or other dental care products

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with fluoride,

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the dentist may recommend

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a fluoride treatment

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to further strengthen

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your child's teeth and prevent cavities.

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Fluoride helps

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to strengthen the teeth

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and protect them from tooth decay.

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As we eat and drink throughout the day,

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bacteria, sugars, and acids

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constantly attack

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and demineralize

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the enamel layer of our teeth.

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Fluoride works

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to re-mineralize the tooth enamel,

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preventing tooth decay and cavities.

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In addition,

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fluoride can strengthen the teeth

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as they develop to

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make sure they are strong and healthy.

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This means that fluoride

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is very important for children

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as their teeth grow.

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Based on your child's dental needs,

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the dentist may recommend

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professional fluoride treatment

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during your child's

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regular dental checkup,

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and further fluoride

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treatment may be suggested

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If your child's teeth

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are especially prone to decay,

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or if your child is not receiving

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a sufficient amount of fluoride

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from other sources.

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Professional fluoride

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is typically available

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in the form of a gel,

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varnish, or foam

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that is applied to the teeth.

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Your child's

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dentist may also recommend

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certain toothpastes or mouthwashes

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that contain fluoride,

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as well as fluoride supplements

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that are available as liquids or tablets.

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A sealant is another preventative

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dental treatment

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the dentist may recommend

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to protect your child's teeth from decay.

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A dental sealant is made of a clear

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or tooth colored resin material,

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which is painted onto the chewing

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surface of the tooth.

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By blocking out the bacteria

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and food debris that lead to tooth decay,

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the sealant prevents decay and cavities.

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The dental sealant forms

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a smooth surface over the natural pits

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and grooves of the tooth surface,

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which also makes it easier for your child

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to effectively clean his or her

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teeth with normal brushing.

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Your child's dentist will help

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you know whether your child

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needs sealants.

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In many cases,

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dentists recommend sealants

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for the permanent molars as they come in,

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which is usually between the ages of six

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and 12 years.

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Sealants may be recommended

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for the primary teeth as well,

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if they have very deep grooves or pitch

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that are susceptible to decay.

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The process for applying sealants

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is fast and comfortable,

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and it can be completed

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in just one appointment.

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The tooth is first cleaned and dried.

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The dentist

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then applies

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a solution to the tooth that

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slightly roughens the surface,

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making it easier for the sealant

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to adhere to the tooth.

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The tooth is rinsed and dried again,

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and the sealant is applied

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in a liquid form.

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After just a few seconds,

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the sealant is hardened

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and your child is ready to go.

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Sealants can last up to ten years,

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but they should be checked

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at each routine appointment

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to make sure they haven't chipped.

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If needed,

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the dentist

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can repair a sealant

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to ensure that your child's smile

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is protected.

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To learn more about fluoride

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treatment and dental sealants,

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and for more information

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about how to protect your child's

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teeth from decay,

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contact your child's dentist today.