Fluoride Application
Would you like to provide maximum protection against cavities for your child’s teeth? If so, we recommend fluoride treatments.
What Is Fluoride? What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a natural element present in water, tea, meat, eggs, and fish. It helps prevent tooth decay and speed up the remineralization process in which tooth enamel is built back up.
Dental office fluoride treatments are one of the ways teeth absorb fluoride, along with fluoride toothpaste, rinses, and fluoride-containing water. While fluoride reduces the number of cavities, it does little to protect the grooves of the teeth.
Along with dental sealants, fluoride treatment can be highly effective in preventing tooth decay, even on difficult-to-clean grooved tooth surfaces.
Are Fluoride Treatments at the Dentist Safe?
Parents are naturally concerned about the toxicity of fluoride. We want to assure you that water fluoridation is safe and highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Research indicates water fluoridation has decreased the rate of tooth decay by over 50 percent.
Fluoride toothpaste and other forms of fluoride supplements are safe when used appropriately. Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses also make teeth more resistant to dental decay.
When is Professional Fluoride Treatment Recommended?
For children at moderate caries risk, we recommend a professional fluoride treatment at least every six months. And children at high risk should receive fluoride treatment more frequently, every three to six months.
Dentists have effectively used in-office fluoride treatments for decades to help protect the oral health of children and adults, especially patients who may be at a higher risk of developing tooth decay.
How Is the Topical Fluoride Application Procedure Done?
At your child’s routine dental visit, we apply a fluoride solution to each tooth with a brush. After the treatment, we might ask to avoid rinsing, eating, or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.
How Often Should My Child Get Fluoride Treatment?
We recommend periodic fluoride treatment every six months. In some instances, especially for children prone to dental decay, we may recommend more frequent treatments.