We believe that fluoride works well to strengthen children’s teeth. It also has been shown to help prevent tooth decay in people of all ages.
For this reason, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association believe that topical fluoride is necessary for good oral health.
Because of this, you may be wondering if your child needs fluoride treatments. Often water is enhanced with fluoride, so additional fluoride treatments are not necessary.
request an appointmentWhat is a fluoride treatment specialist?
A fluoride treatment specialist administers fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and protect them from cavities. The team at Northwoods Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes preventive care measures like fluoride treatments and encourages them for healthier smiles.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole that forms in your child’s tooth. They often develop as a result of tooth decay, which happens when plaque is left on your child’s teeth for too long.
Plaque is a natural byproduct of eating foods or drinking beverages that contain sugars or carbohydrates. It’s a sticky, odorless, and colorless substance that builds up on tooth surfaces and can be easily removed with at-home brushing and flossing.
If plaque is left in contact with your child’s teeth for too long, the acids and bacteria eventually eat away at the enamel of their teeth. This creates a hole, or cavity, which can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.
How does fluoride work?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel — the hard outer layer of your teeth. By strengthening your child’s tooth enamel, fluoride prevents bacteria from penetrating their teeth, making them more resistant to decay and cavities.
Studies have shown that children and adolescents who get fluoride treatments are 43% less likely to develop tooth decay and cavities.
What happens during my child’s fluoride treatment?
Although your child can get fluoride from foods, public water supplies, and most toothpaste, fluoride treatment at Northwoods Pediatric Dentistry can significantly improve their oral health.
When the team administers your child’s fluoride treatment, they apply a highly concentrated dose to their tooth surfaces in the form of a varnish, gel, foam, or rinse.
It only takes a few minutes to apply the treatment, but your child might need to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment to let the fluoride fully absorb.
There’s no recovery or downtime after the treatment, and your child’s smile will have gained an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities.
To learn more about how the team at Northwoods Pediatric Dentistry can improve your child’s oral health with professional fluoride treatments, schedule a visit by phone or book online today.