Preventive care
Fissure seals, fluoride, night guards and the small habits that stop most dental problems before they start.
What it involves
Preventive care covers the things that stop problems developing rather than treating them once they exist: fissure sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, professional fluoride application, custom night guards for teeth grinding, and practical advice on brushing, flossing and diet suited to your mouth.
Fissure seals are a thin protective coating painted into the grooves of molars, where a toothbrush bristle often cannot reach. Fluoride is applied as a varnish or gel directly to the teeth. A night guard is a custom-fitted plastic appliance, made from an impression of your teeth, worn while sleeping.
When it’s recommended
Fissure seals are most often recommended for children and teenagers shortly after adult molars come through, though adults with deep grooves and no decay can also benefit. Fluoride application is generally suggested for anyone with a higher risk of decay, including some children and adults with dry mouth or a history of cavities.
A night guard may be suggested if we notice wear on your teeth consistent with grinding or clenching, or if you describe jaw tension or headaches on waking. It is a management option, not a guaranteed fix for jaw pain, which can have several causes.
What to expect on the day
Fissure sealants and fluoride are usually added on to a check-up appointment and take only a few extra minutes; the seal is painted on and set with a curing light, and fluoride is left on the teeth briefly and not rinsed straight away.
A night guard needs its own short appointment for an impression or digital scan, and a second, shorter appointment about one to two weeks later to fit the finished guard and adjust it if needed.
Aftercare
After fluoride application, avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes so it has time to work. Fissure seals need no special care beyond your usual brushing, though we check them at future visits since they can occasionally wear or chip.
A night guard should be rinsed after use and brought to check-ups so we can look for wear and confirm the fit is still comfortable. Stop wearing it and contact us if it becomes loose, cracked, or causes new discomfort.
Fees
A custom night guard is quoted from our sample fee schedule below. Fissure seals and fluoride are typically added to the cost of the check-up they are done alongside; ask at your appointment for the item cost. See our sample fees for common treatments.
Impressions and fitting
Sample fees for demonstration only. A real clinic would publish its own schedule and confirm the fee before treatment.
Questions people ask
- Are fissure seals only for children?
- They are most commonly done in children and teenagers, but an adult with deep, decay-free grooves in a back tooth can also be a suitable candidate. Your dentist will tell you if you would benefit.
- How long does a night guard last?
- It varies with how heavily you grind and how well it is looked after. We check the fit and wear at your regular visits and let you know if it needs replacing.
- Is fluoride treatment safe?
- Professionally applied fluoride is a standard preventive measure used at safe, controlled concentrations. We will discuss suitability if you have any specific concerns.