Stronger Smiles Start with Fluoride Treatments in Lakemore, OH
Fluoride is a true hero when it comes to protecting children’s teeth. This powerful mineral helps prevent cavities and tooth decay, keeping young smiles bright and strong.
One of fluoride’s biggest benefits is its ability to strengthen enamel—the outer layer of teeth—making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. This means fewer cavities, less discomfort, and a lifetime of healthier teeth. That’s why many dentists recommend fluoride treatments, especially for children who are still developing strong, cavity-resistant teeth.
However, at Dennis Dental Care, we believe balance is key. While fluoride is essential for good oral health, excessive amounts can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which may cause discoloration or changes in enamel. That’s where our fluoride treatments in Lakemore, OH, play a crucial role. We carefully monitor fluoride intake, ensuring children receive just the right amount to maximize its benefits without the risk of overexposure.
How Do We Use Fluoride To Prevent Tooth Decay?
Fluoride is like a secret weapon for keeping teeth strong and cavity-free! It plays two major roles in protecting your child’s smile: preventing enamel loss and repairing early signs of damage.
Every time your child eats sugary foods or drinks, bacteria in the mouth get to work, feeding on those sugars and producing acids. These acids attack tooth enamel, weakening it and increasing the risk of cavities.
Fluoride strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks. It also helps rebuild weakened areas by encouraging remineralization, repairing tiny spots of damage before they become bigger problems. This is especially important for kids who take medications or have reduced saliva production, as they’re more prone to tooth decay.
For fluoride to be most effective, it should be part of a complete oral care routine. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary snacks, and visiting a dentist in Lakemore every six months all work together to keep cavities at bay. With these healthy habits, your child’s teeth will stay strong and shiny.
How Do We Monitor Your Child’s Fluoride Usage Levels?
Fluoride is a fantastic tool for keeping teeth strong, but balance is key! Since fluoride is already present in community water supplies and toothpaste, it’s essential to make sure children get just the right amount.
For children under two, it’s best to use an ADA-approved, fluoride-free toothpaste. Children between two and five should brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. At this stage, teaching them to spit out excess toothpaste is crucial.
Why the extra care? Fluoride intake between ages one and four can impact the development of permanent teeth. Too much fluoride at this stage may lead to fluorosis, which appears as faint white spots on adult teeth.
The good news? Children over eight aren’t at risk for fluorosis, but they should still use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste to keep their smiles healthy.
Will We Recommend Fluoride Supplements To Your Child In Lakemore?
When it comes to fluoride, our pediatric dentist at Lakemore is the best person to determine if your child needs extra help. Dennis Dental Care will carefully assess your child’s fluoride intake, review their overall health, and closely examine their diet. If it turns out that your child isn’t getting enough fluoride and is at high risk for cavities, our dentists might recommend fluoride supplements.
Fluoride treatments in Lakemore, OH, can also be applied quickly and painlessly during a dental visit. We offer these treatments in different forms, including foams, liquids, varnishes, and gels. Depending on your child’s age and how well they can cooperate, our dentist may use special trays or simply paint the fluoride directly onto their teeth.
If you have any questions about fluoride, fluorosis, or your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
Give your child a strong, cavity-free smile with professional fluoride treatments at Dennis Dental Care. Contact us now to book an appointment!
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