Besides sealants, are there other ways to prevent tooth decay?

Yes. The best way you can help prevent tooth decay is to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water (water is fluoridated in about half the cities and towns of the United States). If your water is not fluoridated or if your teeth need more fluoride to stay healthy, your dentist can prescribe it in the form of a gel, mouthrinse or tablet.

If you have a baby or a young child that needs fluoride and do not have fluoride in your water, your physician (pediatrician) or dentist can prescribe fluoride drops or tablets.

Fluoride is the best defense against tooth decay!

Fluoride . . .

• makes teeth more resistant to decay
• repairs tiny areas of decay before they become big cavities
• makes germs in the mouth less able to cause decay

Fluoride helps the smooth surfaces of the teeth the most. It is less effective on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars).

Regular brushing -- with fluoride toothpaste -- and flossing also help prevent tooth decay.

Sealants and fluoride together can prevent almost all tooth decay.

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