Drs. Golovan & Golovan
Norman Golovan D.D.S. 
Bruce Golovan D.M.D.
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
28790 Chagrin Blvd. #300
Woodmere Village, OH 44122
(216) 591-0022
Designing Healthy and Beautiful Smiles!

Call for an appointment today!
(216) 591-0022
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that is in many foods we digest and even water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization is when minerals are lost from a tooth's enamel layer when acids, which are caused from plaque, bacteria and even sugars in the mouth, attack the enamel. Remineralization is when minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are deposited back into the enamel layer from the foods and water we consume daily. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer ultimately leads to tooth decay.
Fluoride greatly helps prevent tooth decay.  It makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. In younger children, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride will also help speed up remineralization as well as disrupt acid production in already erupted teeth of children and adults.

Fluoride is a mineral that is in many foods we digest and even water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization is when minerals are lost from a tooth's enamel layer when acids, which are caused from plaque, bacteria and even sugars in the mouth, attack the enamel. Remineralization is when minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are deposited back into the enamel layer from the foods and water we consume daily.  Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer ultimately leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride greatly helps prevent tooth decay.  It makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.  In younger children, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth.  Fluoride will also help speed up remineralization as well as disrupt acid production in already erupted teeth of children and adults.
What Forms of Fluoride are Available?

Fluoride is found in food, water, fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Fluoride tablets may also be purchased over the counter.  In our office we also can provide fluoride treatments.  Our in-office treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in the fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses.

In our office we can provide you with a gel fluoride treatment.  The dentist or hygienist will paint on the correct amount to your teeth and allow you to sit with it on your teeth for the correct amount of time.  The fluoride will then be removed by the dentist or hygienist and you will be instructed on not to eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time.
When is Fluoride Intake Most Critical?

It is very critical for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to receive exposure to fluoride.  This is the time when the primary and permanent teeth begin to develop. However, adults benefit from fluoride too. New research indicates that topical fluoride, from fluoridated toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments, are just as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.
Sealants
Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria.  The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the posterior, or back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.

How Does a Sealant Help Prevent Decay?

A sealant is a plastic material that’s usually applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. This plastic resin will bond into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces. The sealant acts as a barrier, which protects the enamel from plaque and acids.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of the teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract all food and plaque particles. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

A sealant is a plastic material that’s usually applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth.  This plastic resin will bond into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces.  The sealant acts as a barrier, which protects the enamel from plaque and acids.


Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of the teeth.  But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract all food and plaque particles.  Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.
Is Sealant Application a Tough Procedure?
Sealants are not a complicated procedure and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned.  Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant stick to the tooth.  The sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel; we then will use a curing light to help bond the material securely to the tooth.
Are Sealants Just For Children?

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.


Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a balanced diet; and visiting your dentist regularly.