All parents want to see their kids with pearl white teeth. Fluoride is one of the best substances that can help prevent cavities in children’s teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and inhibits tooth decay. To receive expert information on your child’s dental health, you can visit a dentist near you in Kendall Park and ask them about fluoride and how it will benefit your child’s dental health.
What Is Fluoride and How Does It Work?
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in water and certain foods. The enamel is the outer layer that protects your teeth from harmful bacteria and acids. Through demineralization and remineralization, minerals are lost from the tooth enamel every day and added back.
When your child eats sweets or starches, they form acids in the mouth that can wear down enamel. When used properly by children’s dentistry near you in Kendall Park, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. It reverses the early stages of decay, promoting remineralization of the enamel, while also making it more resistant to future damaging acid attacks.
Fluoride Benefits for Children
Fluoride has many benefits for children that will keep their smile strong and cavity-free.
- Strengthens dental enamel and reduces the risk of cavities.
- Repairs weak spots in early stages of decay.
- Protects both baby and permanent teeth.
- Reduces dental sensitivity.
- Supports lifelong oral health.
Children are more affected by fluoride due to their growing teeth. If kids are exposed to fluoride through toothpaste, drinking, or professional treatment, the teeth they build will be more resistant to damage.
Different Types of Fluoride Treatments for Kids
Depending on your child’s needs, fluoride can be given in many ways. Common fluoride treatments for kids include
- Fluoride toothpaste—The use of fluoride toothpaste twice daily will help to prevent cavities, as long as a pea-sized amount is used.
- Fluoridated water—Many communities put fluoride into their water, which helps strengthen teeth in the community.
- Professional fluoride treatments—Fluoride treatment for dental care involves the dentist applying fluoride foams or gels during the checkups.
- Fluoride supplements—Your dentist may recommend fluoride supplements, tablets, or drops if you live in an area that doesn’t add fluoride to the water.
Your dentist can help you figure out how much fluoride your child needs depending on their age, diet, and dental health.
The Ideal Schedule for Kids’ Fluoride Treatments
Most children should get a professional fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on their risk for cavities. If a child has a greater risk of decay, the dentist may suggest fluoride rinses or gels to use at home. You should take your child to regular dental visits to maintain fluoride levels.
Is Fluoride Safe for Children? A Dentist’s Perspective
Yes, fluoride is completely safe in optimal concentrations. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respectively, fluoride is beneficial for children’s dental care. Everything is fine in moderation.
You do not want too much fluoride, as it causes a cosmetic problem called dental fluorosis. It is mostly harmless, but it creates faint white spots on teeth. Parents need to watch their children clean their teeth and use a pinch to make sure they don’t swallow the toothpaste.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with Trusted Dental Care
Fluoride is one of the best and safest ways to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Bring your child to Smiles By Dr. Levine for their dental appointment today so they can get the best care. We are a friendly and experienced team that can help your child enjoy a strong, confident, cavity-free smile.
