Fluoride and Your Children’s Teeth

As a parent, it is important to understand the ways you can keep your child’s teeth healthy. Many dentists for children recommend fluoride treatments, toothpaste containing fluoride, and even mouth rinses that contain fluoride.

Fluoride is a proven effective treatment for teeth. Of course, you always want to speak to your kids pediatric dentist about any oral health care questions that arise. Learning the basics about fluoride will help you to jot down any questions you have for your kids pediatric dentist to ask at your next appointment.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally occurring. It is a combination of fluorine and typically a salt. It can be either white or colorless. Fluoride is often added to municipal water supplies as a supplement to build strong teeth.

While this naturally occurring mineral is found in most water supplies, like well water, the trace amounts that are found naturally are not enough to assist in preventing tooth decay.

How Does it Help?

Fluoride helps to reinforce tooth enamel and fight off the harmful bacteria that cause cavities. There is even some evidence that fluoride treatment can actually reverse the onset of cavities when applied in the earliest stages of decay.

Fluoride restores minerals that have been lost from tooth surfaces, helping the teeth remain strong. Studies have shown that the earlier a child is exposed to the healing properties of fluoride, the less likely they are to develop cavities. Fluoride is often included in infant formula in small amounts to help with bone and enamel development.

Fluoride Treatments

Your kids pediatric dentist may recommend additional fluoride treatments as part of your child’s overall oral health care. The AAPD recommends a bi-annual visit to the dentist for every child, and one of those appointments every year may be dedicated to fluoride treatment.

This treatment is a painless process. It involves the teeth being “painted” with fluoride. This coating can help to improve enamel and reduce the onset of cavities. Of course, you do want to speak to a trusted kids pediatric dentist about these types of preventive treatments to ensure that you can make an informed decision.

One of the most trusted children’s dentist Chandler has to offer will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about fluoride treatments. A kids pediatric dentist is your best resource for learning more about the benefits of fluoride, and other preventive measures to help keep your child’s teeth healthy.