Oral Health: What Works

What Works?

1) Sealants

Sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities. They flow into the deep grooves of teeth which are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Sealants harden immediately so a child is able to chew right away.

2) Fluoride

Fluoride – Importance of fluoride for strong tooth enamel

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.

Here are three key actions you can take to get your fluoride:

Fluoride toothpaste: Brush 2 times a day with pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Water fluoridation: Drink water, especially tap water with fluoride.
Water with fluoride is the easy, inexpensive and healthy choice for your teeth and body.
Non-fluoridated public tap water
Within Solano County, the cities of Suisun City, Rio Vista, and Dixon do not have fluoride added to the public tap water. All other cities within the County do have fluoridated water. If you live in one of the non-fluoridated cities, please make sure you and your family have the protection that fluoride can provide for your teeth: ask your local grocer for bottled water with fluoride, or as an alternative, you can ask your dentist for a prescription for fluoride tablets or drops for you or your child.
Talk to your dentist or doctor about fluoride varnish treatments. [Please note: Both children and adults benefit from fluoride varnish treatments whether or not your tap water is fluoridated.]

3) Tooth Brushing & Flossing – how to guide, pictures, videos

Daily plaque removal by brushing and flossing and choosing fresh vegetables and fruits for snacks will help reduce tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease (bleeding gums). Thank you for helping your child keep a healthy smile!