Fluoride Treatments
Fluorine, present in fluoride compounds, has been shown to effectively reduce childhood cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride is a crucial component in many well-known toothpaste brands, oral gels, and mouthwashes, and it is also commonly added to community water supplies. While fluoride plays a vital role in maintaining oral health, excessive consumption can lead to a condition called fluorosis. Pediatric dentists are skilled in monitoring fluoride intake and ensuring that children receive the proper amount for optimal dental health.
How Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
Fluoride plays two crucial roles in dental care. First, it helps prevent the loss of essential minerals from tooth enamel. Second, it encourages the remineralization of enamel, repairing early signs of damage.
When carbohydrates (sugars) are consumed, bacteria in the mouth feed on them and produce harmful acids. These acids can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities, tooth decay, and childhood periodontal disease, particularly in children who take medications or have reduced saliva production. Fluoride combats these acid attacks and lowers the risk of tooth decay.
For optimal results, fluoride should be used as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. Limiting sugary foods, brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting a pediatric dentist every six months all enhance fluoride's effectiveness and help maintain healthy teeth in children.
How Much Fluoride Is Optimal?
Since community water supplies and toothpastes often contain fluoride, it's important to ensure that children do not consume too much. For this reason, children under the age of two should use an ADA-approved, non-fluoridated toothpaste. Children aged two to five should use only a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoridated toothpaste on a clean toothbrush twice daily and should be encouraged to spit out any excess toothpaste. This might require some time, encouragement, and practice.
The amount of fluoride ingested by children between one and four years old can influence the likelihood of developing fluorosis, which often presents as white spots on the permanent teeth. Children over the age of eight are generally not at risk for fluorosis but should still use an ADA-approved toothpaste.
Does My Child Need Fluoride Supplements?
The pediatric dentist is the best authority to determine if your child needs fluoride supplements. The dentist will assess the child’s current fluoride intake, review their general health history, and evaluate their diet's sugar content. If it is found that the child is not receiving adequate fluoride and is at high risk for tooth decay, a fluoride supplement for home use may be recommended.
Topical fluoride can also be applied quickly and painlessly during a routine office visit. This fluoride is available in various forms, including foam, liquids, varnishes, and gels. Depending on the child's age and ability to cooperate, topical fluoride may be applied using specialized trays or painted directly onto the teeth.
If you have any questions or concerns about fluoride or fluorosis, please feel free to contact our office.
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