Why Are Fluoride Treatments Important for a Child’s Dental Health?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in plants, rocks, and groundwater and does not contain any toxic chemicals that could harm your child’s teeth. Since fluoride has been proven effective in strengthening the tooth enamel and preventing cavities, it’s common to find it in water and dental products. We will highlight the benefits of fluoride treatment and why you should consider getting it for your child.

What Is Fluoride and What Does It Do?

Fluoride treatment is a type of dental treatment that involves using a concentrated kind of fluoride called fluoride varnish.

The varnish is applied by a dentist or dental hygienist to the tooth’s surface as a form of fluoride therapy, thus reducing the risk of getting dental caries.

A dentist in Elk Grove will use a swab, tray, brush, or mouthwash to carry out the treatment effectively. This will only take a few minutes to complete, and your child may have to avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes after the treatment is completed for the fluoride to be fully absorbed.

Applying Fluoride Varnish

The entire procedure is fast and painless. Fluoride varnish is applied through a small brush that paints the sides of each tooth. It will feel sticky at first but will harden fast soon as it comes to contact with saliva.

You don’t have to worry about your child licking off the varnish since it won’t come off once it hardens.

How Can Fluoride Treatment Help My Child’s Dental Health?

When your child eats or drinks, bacteria inside their mouth can feed on the starch and sugars in the food. This may lead to the formation of acids that erode the tooth enamel, a protective layer that protects the inside of teeth.

If you visit a children’s dentistry in Elk Grove, CA, your child’s dentist can use fluoride varnish as protection from cavities.

Once the fluoride is applied, it penetrates the tooth enamel and provides additional protection from acid attacks. Furthermore, it causes remineralization, which ensures that minerals stripped away from the tooth’s enamel due to acid attacks are redeposited.

For our young patients with baby teeth, the fluoride can get incorporated into their permanent teeth, which haven’t fully developed.

Fluoride is also beneficial to the oral health of adults and teens as it hinders acid production and helps with remineralization. The CDC has recognized community water fluoridation as a great achievement for public health in the 20th century.

Is Fluoride Treatment Safe for Children?

If consumption is regulated, fluoride treatment can be safe for kids of all ages. Many people in the USA have been consuming fluoride in their tap water since it was tested and found safe by many health organizations, including the American Dental Association to the World Health Organization.
Too much fluoride consumption among young children could cause them to develop fluorosis. This condition could result in the development of white spots or pitting on the tooth enamel. However, it is rare to find someone suffering from fluorosis since overconsumption of fluoride is rare.
If you have any concerns about the level of fluoride your child is consuming, visit a pediatric dentist near you for consultation. They can help determine the right amount of fluoride your child needs for strong, healthy teeth.

When Should Your Child Start Getting Fluoride Treatment?

We recommend you take your children to a pediatrician at least twice a year for fluoride treatment or more frequently if they are at a high risk of developing tooth cavities. You should start doing so as soon as they grow their first teeth.

How Long Does Fluoride Treatment Last?

Getting fluoride treatment from a children’s dentistry office near you can cost anything from $20 to $50. Furthermore, your dental insurance may cover the entire cost since fluoride therapy is considered a preventive treatment.

Conclusion

Fluoride treatment is an effective treatment option suited for people of all ages. You should take your child for fluoride therapy at least twice a year to protect their teeth from cavities. Schedule an appointment with Laguna Dental & Orthodontics today for the best children’s dentistry services near you. We provide affordable and comprehensive dental care to all our patients irrespective of age.