Cavities don’t have to be a part of your little one’s childhood. An experienced family dentist can help reduce the risk of cavities in children with parent education, fluoride treatments, and other preventive treatments. Fluoride treatments are a popular choice among parents because fluoride is safe and gentle enough for children.
Continue reading to learn more about what fluoride is and how it can help you little one avoid cavities now and later in life.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride occurs naturally in nature. When used in dental treatments and products, it remineralizes and strengthens teeth before and after development. When babies consume certain foods that contain fluoride (like spinach and potatoes), the body absorbs the fluoride and uses it to strengthen the teeth, even before they erupt. Fluoride can also be applied topically, like with toothpaste. It is an essential element for tooth development that also protects against harmful bacteria and plaque.
Dental enamel can be worn down when exposed to acidic drinks, foods, and bacteria. Fluoride treatments and drinking fluoridated water can strengthen the enamel to protect against these substances. .
Fluoride can help protect your child’s beautiful teeth and gums—especially if they start young. Children who began receiving fluoride treatments are 43 percent less likely to develop tooth decay and cavities.
By reducing the risk of cavities and slowing the growth of harmful bacteria, fluoride can also prevent gum disease, tooth pain, and the premature loss of adult teeth.
Our family dentist might recommend fluoride treatments for your son or daughter during their routine dental cleanings and exams.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
There are many benefits of fluoride applications, including:
● Strengthens Enamel—Especially against bacteria and acids that can cause your enamel to break down
● Restores Minerals to Your Teeth—Acids can destroy essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium that are vital to the health and structure of your teeth. Fluoride reverses this loss by adding minerals back
● Prevents Cavities and Tooth Decay—Fighting bacteria that causes cavities is a daily process. Fluoride can help provide the tools to fight tooth decay
● Natural Preventative—Fluoride can naturally and effectively prevent possible damage to your child’s teeth
Talk to an experienced family dentist to determine if a fluoride application is beneficial for your child.
Fluoride Helps Maintain Good Oral Health
Preparing your child for optimal oral health includes:
- Routine dental care with your child’s dentist
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Regular hydration
- Proper diet and nutrition
- Fluoride treatments
Paired with good dental hygiene habits and regular dental visits, fluoride strengthens your little one’s developing adult teeth, blocks cavities from forming, prolongs the life of baby teeth, and even reverses early cavities through the process of remineralization.
Are you looking for a gentle pediatric dentist?
Are you interested in a compassionate family dentist in Duncan, OK?
As a comprehensive family practice, we welcome children of any age. We know the importance of a warm and considerate dental practice that values your children’s needs.
Dr. Bridges and our friendly, gentle dental team works hard to make every dental visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible. We know that positive dental care that starts early can shape one’s dental future. We also respect that every child has their own unique dental needs and reactions.
Give our attentive and welcoming dental team a call at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your child’s dental visit to start them on a life-long path towards excellent dental health.
