Fluoride Treatment
What are Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride is a compound that contains fluoride, a natural element. Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent decay. Fluoride is most found in dental products, like toothpastes, mouth rinses, gels, and varnish. It is designed to protect and strengthen a person's teeth, making them less prone to developing cavities. Regardless of the amount of fluoride that you use each day, we offer professional treatments that can add further protection for your child’s smile.
Why might your child need Fluoride Treatments?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) affirms that the use of fluoride in the prevention of cavity is safe and effective. The AAPD encourages dentists and dental professionals, other health care providers, public health officials, and parents/caregivers to optimize fluoride exposures to reduce the risk for cavities and to enhance the remineralization of affected teeth.
How does Fluoride prevent cavities?
Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (strengthening areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities). Fluoride also affects bacteria that cause cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth. The risk of decay is reduced even more when fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.
What makes someone a candidate for Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride varnishes are mainly used for children, but the truth is that anyone at risk of tooth decay could benefit from the preventive treatment. Fluoride varnish is one of the effective preventive treatments that are powerful tools to prevent tooth decay and costly dental treatments necessary to repair damaged teeth. For children coming into our office, we may recommend that they have fluoride treatments to keep their smiles looking their best.
What can you expect during Fluoride Treatments?
We clean your child’s teeth before applying the fluoride. A liquid fluoride is then brushed over the teeth. You will be instructed on how to care for your child’s teeth after treatment. Our office offers fun flavors to make this easy and comfortable for your little ones.
If you'd like to learn more about anesthesia, call our office today and one of our helpful staff members will be happy to further assist you.
