Why You Should Get Fluoride Treatment For Kids at a Children’s Dentist

16 Feb Why You Should Get Fluoride Treatment For Kids at a Children’s Dentist

At the dentist, one of the most common treatments for children is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is important for developing strong teeth and protecting them from decay. But you may be wondering how often a child should get a fluoride treatment, and why they are so important? Studies show that fluoride prevents tooth decay by promoting remineralization and inhibiting demineralization of enamel. Fluoride is recommended as part of a comprehensive tooth decay prevention program. In this blog post we will take a look at the importance of fluoride treatments at your children’s dentist and how often they should be receiving them. 

What Is Fluoride Treatment for Kids & How Does It Work?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in a variety of foods, water supplies, and even in the earth’s crust! As it relates to dental health, this mineral is vital in reducing tooth decay and seeks to protect young children from developing cavities when their enamel is still developing. Did you know that fluoride is also added to public drinking water? The research has shown that those who regularly drank from this will have less cavities than those who don’t. You might be wondering-how does fluoride work to help my children? This can best be explained by discussing its role for developing and emerging teeth.

• Developing Teeth: Young children depend on fluoride for mitigating tooth decay and cavities. Calcium and phosphate work in conjunction to harden developing teeth before they emerge through the gums. The teeth are better off for it and will be better suited against decay later in life.
• Emerged Teeth: Once a child’s permanent teeth have emerged, fluoride will continue to strengthen the teeth through a process known as remineralization. When you’re eating, the bacteria that’s present in the mouth will digest the dietary sugars and emit acids that weaken and demineralize the enamel. Fluoride, calcium, and phosphate found in the saliva is absorbed into the crystalline mineral structure of the enamel. Shortly after this occurs, it will reharden and reverse soft spots of early-stage tooth decay.

Will My Child Benefit From Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride can be given to anyone, but they are especially helpful for children with a history of tooth decay. During a treatment session with your family dentist, the fluoride varnish is painted with a special brush onto the teeth. It will set so quickly, allowing your children to eat and drink normally afterwards. A child should be brought for a dental checkup by their first birthday and every 6 months, to ensure that their oral health is well maintained. During each visit, your family dentist will determine if fluoride treatment for kids is needed. Keeping up with the routine at home is of equal importance. Ensure your child is using a child’s toothbrush, with a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Starting off small is key because no one wants them to ingest too much fluoride. When your child reaches age 3 and can spit, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

How Often Should Kids Receive Fluoride Treatment?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should receive professional fluoride treatment around every six months to keep their teeth healthy and cavity-free. However, it’s important to note that there are certain situations where more or less frequent treatments may be recommended by your children’s dentist. For example, if your child has a history of cavities or if their diet contains a lot of sugary foods or drinks. In those cases, your children’s dentist may recommend more frequent applications of fluoride throughout the year to help strengthen your child’s enamel and prevent further damage to their teeth. They will also give you advice on additional steps you can take at home such as brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride or using specialized rinses that have been formulated with extra strength fluoride levels specifically designed for kids.

Why Are Fluoride Treatments Important?

In addition to helping protect against cavities, regular fluoride treatments at a children’s dentist can increase saliva production which helps keep the pH balance in your mouth neutral. This is a key factor when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and cavity free! They also provide an extra layer of protection for young kids who may not always practice good home oral health care routines (such as brushing twice daily). Professional fluoride treatments ensure that your kid’s teeth are receiving an adequate amount of this essential mineral which will help strengthen their enamel over time.

Fluoride Treatment for Kids Help Develop and Maintain Healthy Teeth

Fluoride treatment for kids help develop strong teeth and prevent tooth decay. By receiving a fluoride treatment at a children’s dentist every six months, it will help provide an extra layer of protection against cavities.  Of course, there are certain situations where more or less frequent applications may be recommended by your children’s dentist, which is dependent on individual needs. It’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist before deciding how often your child should receive these treatments. When you’re looking for the best children’s dentist in Pennington, New Jersey, the dental professionals at Brookside Dental Arts are committed to providing you with affordable, kind and compassionate care. Contact us today at 609-737-7662 to learn more about how we can help your children enjoy healthy smiles for years to come!