What Is Fluoride and What Are Its Benefits?
Tooth decay is the most common yet preventable childhood disease, often leading to pain, infection, and damage to a child’s permanent teeth. Dr. Halum and his team at Dentistry for Children are advocates for prevention to maintain healthy, cavity-free smiles for a lifetime. One of the ways we safeguard our young patients’ smiles is by offering fluoride treatments.
What Is Fluoride and What Are Its Benefits?
Fluoride is a mineral that’s naturally found in certain foods, plants, the soil, and even some types of rocks. As a public health measure, most US public water systems are fluoridated. However, home treatment systems, private well water, or bottled water may not contain the fluoride your child needs.
But how does fluoride help? Numerous studies have established the incredible benefits of fluoride in the never-ending battle against tooth decay and cavities. The powerful cavity-fighting mineral strengthens the tooth enamel, protecting it against the acids produced by harmful bacteria. It can also reduce bacteria on the tooth surfaces, lowering the risk of cavities.
Aside from reducing the risk of tooth decay, fluoride treatments help keep existing cavities from getting worse. It can also reverse early decay by replenishing the minerals stripped by bacteria and acids from the tooth enamel in a process known as remineralization.
How Often Are Fluoride Treatments Recommended?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recently updated its recommendations for children, indicating that topical fluoride application should begin when the first tooth erupts, usually around six months. From then on, Dr. Halum recommends professional strength fluoride varnish every six months to lower the risk of tooth decay during the critical childhood years. We also offer take-home stannous fluoride gel for brush-on cavity prevention treatment.
As those little smiles continue to develop, fluoride treatments can have lasting impacts, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free smiles.
What Is the Fluoride Application Process?
Fluoride application is quick, safe, and pain-free. Dr. Halum or our dental hygienist will brush a small amount of fluoride varnish onto every visible surface of your child’s teeth. The entire process takes a few short minutes to complete, providing your child’s teeth with a powerful cavity-fighting boost.
Healthy Oral Hygiene Practices for Long-Term Healthy Smiles
Aside from fluoride treatments, it is important to maintain good home oral hygiene practices. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends brushing twice daily with a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice from when the first tooth emerges until about age three.
From ages 3 – 6, brush your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. It’s also important to start flossing when two teeth touch, usually between ages 2 – 3. Our team at Dentistry for Children is happy to offer tips and guidance on good oral hygiene practices to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy between dental visits.
Fluoride Treatment Near Me in Highland, IN
Dr. Halum and our kid-friendly team at Dentistry for Children are committed to ensuring your child’s smile stays bright, healthy, and cavity-free. We believe in building strong foundations for long-term oral health through personalized preventive care, including fluoride treatments. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!