Topical Fluoride In Children

Did you know the most chronic disease in children is cavities? Even though your child may brush and floss daily, they might not be brushing as properly as an adult would or using the right amount of toothpaste. Also, consuming sugary foods and drinks contributes to tooth decay because bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar and leave behind an acid that eats away at the tooth’s enamel. How can you help your child fight tooth decay? Fluoride is one tool to use to help strengthen teeth and avoid cavities in children. It can be found in most public water supplies in the US and is added to toothpastes and mouthwashes. Your teeth absorb the fluoride and once it is in your enamel, fluoride combines with calcium and phosphate to form a defensive shield that makes your teeth more resistant to decay. We also offer a fluoride varnish that can be applied to the teeth after your child’s cleaning. This type of fluoride treatment has been shown to decrease the chance of cavities by up to 60%. It’s a safe and effective treatment that provides an added layer of protection. To begin the fluoride application, the dentist will dry the teeth as the varnish will not stick to the teeth if they are wet. The dentist will then use a brush to paint the varnish onto all tooth surfaces. Your child does not need to avoid closing their mouth or worry about the varnish coming off — the varnish sets on contact with saliva. Fluoride treatments do not mean that your child doesn’t have to brush regularly, nor does it give them the green light to eat lots of candy. Good dental hygiene habits combined with the fluoride varnish will help increase their chances of keeping their teeth healthy. If you have questions about fluoride treatments for your child in Frisco, TX, please call our office or speak with us at your child’s next dental appointment.