As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their development and long-term health. Preventative dental care plays a vital role in your child’s development and the health of their smile; one essential aspect of their care is fluoride treatments during dental checkups.
Fluoride is an invaluable mineral used for protecting and preserving your child’s tooth health. Starting at an early age, using fluoride as directed can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. At Kids City Dental in Brighton, we recommend fluoride treatments after every dental cleaning to stop cavities before they start and reverse early-stage enamel demineralization.
What is a Children’s Fluoride Treatment?
A children’s fluoride treatment is a preventive dental procedure that involves the application of fluoride to the teeth after their dental cleaning (so that more of the mineral can be absorbed.) Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, and it strengthens tooth enamel to make it more resistant to acids and bacteria. That way, they have a statistically lower risk of getting cavities.
Fluoride treatments come in various forms, including fluoride varnish, foam, gel, or rinse. They can even be prescribed to use at home, especially if your child is in braces or has a high rate of recurring cavities. At Kids City Dental, our team of friendly dental professionals recommends the best fluoride options for each child’s needs.
Why is Fluoride Important for Children’s Dental Health?
Fluoride is an essential element in proper tooth development and enamel integrity, especially for growing children. Like calcium for our bones, our teeth need fluoride to grow into the strong structure they were meant to become. Here are some of the key reasons why fluoride is a must-have for kids:
Prevents Tooth Decay: Fluoride acts as a protective shield for teeth as it reinforces the outer layer of tooth enamel, making it more resistant to bacterial plaque and acidic foods. This significantly reduces the risk of cavities as your child grows up.
Strengthens Tooth Enamel: During the formative years of a child’s dental development, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel from the inside out, making teeth more resilient overall. That’s one reason why drinking fluoridated tap water is so important!
Safe and Effective: When used in appropriate amounts, fluoride is a safe and effective way to protect children’s teeth from cavities. Our dental professionals at Kids City Dental will ensure that your child receives the right fluoride treatment suitable for their age and dental history.
At What Age Should Children Start Fluoride Treatment?
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children should start receiving fluoride treatments from their dentist as soon as their first teeth erupt. This typically occurs between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. Early intake of fluoride helps build strong, healthy teeth from the very beginning, laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits.
At home, use a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothbrush to brush your infant and toddler’s teeth. As your child gets older, have them use a pea-sized amount. Also, be sure you’re having them drink fluoridated tap water instead of bottled commercial water whenever possible.
Can Children Get Too Much Fluoride?
While fluoride is crucial for dental health, excessive consumption of fluoride or any other mineral can have unwanted side effects. Too much ingested fluoride during tooth development can lead to a condition called fluorosis, creating lines or spots on the teeth. Fortunately, the risk of fluorosis is minimal when fluoride is used appropriately under dental supervision. Fluorosis typically happens when natural fluoride levels are high and unfiltered, such as when you’re drinking well water.
At Kids City Dental, our skilled dentists have extensive experience in administering safe fluoride treatments at appropriate dosages. We closely monitor each child’s fluoride exposure to ensure it remains within the recommended limits, minimizing any risk of fluorosis.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Exam Today
Preventative dental care and fluoride are both important to keeping your child’s smile healthy. For more information on pediatric fluoride dosing or to schedule a pediatric dental checkup in Brighton, call Kids City Dental today!