Your family dentist can provide a fluoride treatment for your child. Fluoride is a mineral that can build strong teeth and prevent cavities. It is an essential part of oral health and can support healthy teeth. It can also fight bacteria in the gums and teeth.
Fluoride will restore minerals to the surface of the teeth. This is helpful because bacteria may have eaten away at the enamel. Fluoride can also prevent harmful oral bacteria from growing in the area and causing cavities. A fluoride treatment itself cannot remove decay from the teeth.
However, it can create a stronger surface on the outer portion of the teeth. This prevents the decay from penetrating deeper into the teeth. The earlier that a child is exposed to a fluoride treatment, the less likely cavities are. One study found that children who got fluoride treatments for a year were 43% less likely to get cavities.
Before toothpaste came with fluoride, there were studies done on people who drank water with fluoride. These people were 40 to 60% less likely to get cavities by drinking the water. According to the American Dental Association, there should be small amounts of fluoride in water. That way, everyone can receive fluoride for the teeth.
Like any medication, fluoride in high doses can sometimes cause negative side effects. Too much fluoride can cause poisoning in children. For this reason, most types of toothpaste for children do not have fluoride in them. Because children do not get fluoride from toothpaste, the family dentist can offer treatments. Children are less likely to accidentally swallow fluoride from a treatment. The family dentist will take the right precautions to avoid any side effects.
A family dentist can provide a professional fluoride treatment by using a concentrated rinse. It may also come in a gel, foam or varnish. The dentist may apply it using a brush, swab, mouthwash or a tray. Toothpaste and water both have fluoride in them. However, a fluoride treatment has much more fluoride than what a child would normally get.
After the treatment, a child may need to avoid eating or drinking for the next half an hour. That way, the teeth will be better able to absorb the fluoride. A child may need to avoid brushing the teeth after getting this type of treatment. The child may need to wait several hours or overnight to brush the fluoride off the teeth.
When it comes to your children’s oral health, a family dentist can help prevent cavities. Fluoride is important for the developing teeth of children. It will help the teeth to grow in strong. This can give your children a good foundation for the rest of their lives. Visiting a family dentist near you today is the first step toward helping your child get healthier teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, create the biggest need for general dentistry visits. Cavities are the result of bacteria in the mouth combined with other factors like sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and failure to adequately clean the teeth. Tooth decay is particularly common in children, adolescents, and elderly adults, but everyone is…
The average dentist in the U.S. works in general dentistry. A general dentist works on the front lines of diagnostic and preventative care for patients of all ages. A checkup with a general dentist can result in the early detection of dental diseases, including gum disease. Patients who regularly set up dental appointments tend to…
The need for denture repair or replacement occurs at the worst times. When your denture breaks or stops fitting the way it should, the effect on your daily life and comfort can be hard to ignore. Even simple actions such as eating or speaking in front of others can feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, a dental professional…
Life is made up of a string of appointments. Some you look forward to, and some you would rather skip. General dentistry appointments are some of the important ones. If you are tempted to skip an appointment because you are unsure about the critical nature of these checkups, you should brush up on your understanding…
Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, create the biggest need for general dentistry…
The average dentist in the U.S. works in general dentistry. A general dentist works on…
Dentures should support your ability to eat, speak, and smile, not get in the way…
Life is made up of a string of appointments. Some you look forward to, and…
The process of getting dental implants is a series of smaller procedures that takes place…
Brushing and flossing are important parts of a good oral hygiene routine, along with general…