At Azari & Zahedi Dentistry, We are committed to providing our patients with the most current preventive measures available in dentistry.

Pit and fissure sealant and fluoride treatment are two proven steps that achieve this goal easily and effectively. Continuous care in our office entails Dr. Zahedi checking the integrity of sealants each time to ensure they are intact. Attention to detail is well worth it since permanent teeth are involved.

The most beneficial form of Fluoride is fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride. These agents work by hardening tooth enamel and stop the process of cavity formation.

Besides professionally applied agents, we recommend a solid oral hygiene practice and a healthy diet containing Xylitol that prevents cariogenic bacteria from activating and populating in the mouth. At Azari & Zahedi Dentistry, we tailor preventive care pillars to your child's specific needs as a well-planned recipe for a happy smile.

What is a dental sealant?

As a parent, you want to ensure the best material goes into your children's mouths.

According to American Dental Association (ADA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sealants are safe composite resin materials and BPA-free, to be specific. Sealants act as a physical barrier to tooth decay and provide a high level of protection.

Sealing teeth can be done in a single dental visit and is entirely painless!, thanks to the expertise of our pediatric dentist Dr. Marzieh Zahedi and our trained team of assistants and hygienists. Esthetically dental Sealant is white and blends well with tooth structure.

The best candidate for tooth sealant is 6 and 12-year molars; if applied correctly, sealant can last up to 5 years or longer.

What are the steps of Sealant application?

We first thoroughly clean and dry the teeth we want to seal. A clean and dry tooth is essential for the sealant material to adhere properly. Isolite is a convenient device (we call it jello-pillow) that provides the best isolation possible for this purpose, and it is a good reason you should choose the crew at Azari & Zahedi Dentistry to perform this treatment for your child.

Next, we brush on a conditioner that prepares the chewing surface for optimal bond strength. The last step is brushing liquid sealants that sink into the nooks and fissures within the chewing surface and start bonding directly to the tooth's enamel layer. We will use a special blue curing light that hardens the Sealant.

All done! Your tooth is now sealed off from harmful plaque and bacteria.

ADA: Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants.

Tooth before dental sealant — Tooth before applying dental sealant.

Dental sealant applied. — Dental sealant liquid is applied.

Dental sealant curing with light energy. — Light energy cures the liquid sealant.

Finished tooth with cured dental sealant mostly invisible after curing. — Sealant shields the tooth's grooves and pits to form a smooth, protective barrier.

How does Fluoride protect my child's teeth?

Fluoride plays a vital role in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in soil, water, and food, but it can be incorporated into teeth and bones as well.

Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways: It strengthens tooth enamel, a hard and shiny substance that protects the teeth to resist plaque-formed acid better. Fluoride allows remineralization or repair of teeth damaged by acid.

Topical applications incorporate fluoride ions into the crystalline structure of enamel, making it more resistant to demineralization. The natural level of Fluoride in human teeth wears away over time, so periodic applications of Fluoride will continue to remineralize the enamel surface. Fluoride can be infused with toothpaste, mouthwash, and drinking water. Individuals at risk of developing cavities can benefit from over-the-counter fluoride products and professional in-office applications to maintain and rebuild the enamel's mineral layers.

We use Fluoride varnish.

Dr. Marzieh Zahedi's team uses Fluoride Varnish due to the research behind it and its superior performance. Varnish has an advantage over gels, foams, rinses, and pastes because of its ability to remain on the tooth surface for hours. Children can eat and drink right after application, and it has a good taste.

ADA: Fluoride toothpaste use for young children.

How does Xylitol Benefit dental health?

With Xylitol use, the quality of bacteria in the mouth changes over time, and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces.

The oral microbiome enters the body and influences overall wellness. The mouth is the gateway to the whole body. The bacteria that infiltrate the body through the mouth can cause problems here and there. Prebiotics help us fight these bacteria and restore healthy microflora. Xylitol is a major prebiotic that inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. It does this because these bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) cannot utilize Xylitol to grow. Over time, with Xylitol use, the quality of the bacteria in the mouth changes, and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces. Xylitol is part of the daily diet, and it occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Eating blueberries is like eating Xylitol.

Girl blowing bubble with xylitol gum. In many gums and mints, Xylitol makes oral care easy and convenient throughout the day. Tooth gel and mouthwashes with Xylitol create an excellent dental defense system.

At Azari & Zahedi Dentistry, we recommend products with 100% Xylitol that are researched and have proven their efficacy.

These steps ensure you're taking care of your whole-body health by keeping your mouth clean and germ-free. That will be something worth smiling about.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in plants, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. It tastes sweet and is frequently used as a sugar substitute.