Fluoride is an essential mineral that can build healthy teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoride is promoted as a vital oral health treatment for decades. Fluoride can support healthy tooth enamel and battle the bacteria harmful for the teeth and gums.
Children are at chronic risk of developing dental caries as they are regularly having sugary foods and beverages. Fluoride treatment for kids is recommended by most dentists as a method of preventive dentistry. Dental caries occurs when bacteria buildup on the teeth, and gums are allowed to form a sticky plaque layer. Plaque produces acids to erode the teeth and gum tissue. When the plaque penetrates the enamel layer, bacteria begin to harm the nerves and blood vessels at the core of the tooth. Continue Reading to learn more about why fluoride treatments for kids are recommended.
What Happens during Professional Fluoride Treatments?
Dentists use a highly concentrated rinse when providing professional fluoride treatments in the office. The fluoride can be in the form of a gel, varnish, or foam. The treatment is applied with a swab, tray, brush, or mouthwash.
Professional treatments contain more fluoride than available in water or toothpaste. The application only requires a few minutes, but the child must be refrained from eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to be absorbed.
When taking your child for fluoride treatment to the Scottsdale dentist, you must provide the child’s entire health history to ensure the dentist can choose the right treatment for the kid.
What Is the Cost of Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatments for kids are covered by dental insurers and may not cost you anything. However, adults must pay $ 10-$ 30 out of pocket or more for the treatment. It would be helpful to inquire with the dentist about the costs of this procedure before the treatment.
Fluoride For Children
If your child is below three years, they should be brushing their teeth under supervision. You can apply a thin layer of fluoride toothpaste to their toothbrush. The toothpaste should cover below 50 percent of the bristles and must not be more significant than a grain of rice.
Children between three to six years old are recommended a pea-sized grain of toothpaste by dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ. You must ensure the child spits out the toothpaste when brushing.
Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride functions by restoring minerals to the surfaces of the tooth, where bacteria may have eroded the enamel. Fluoride can also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria to keep cavities in check.
Fluoride is incapable of removing the decay, but it undoubtedly creates a more robust outer surface for the teeth. The firmer surface prevents corrosion from penetrating the deeper parts of the teeth.
Fluoride is beneficial both for children and adults. Children must be exposed to fluoride at an early age because it prevents them from developing cavities. Studies conducted have revealed that children and adolescents receiving fluoride treatments for a year were 43 percent less likely to be affected by tooth decay and cavities.
Before the addition of fluoride to toothpaste, it was revealed that people having fluoridated water were significantly unlikely to develop cavities by around 40 to 60 percent. Therefore the ADA and the CDC recommended trace amounts of fluoride to be included in drinking water.
What Do Dentists Recommend for Kids?
Dentists from Landmark Smiles state that fluoride is an essential mineral that can prevent cavities. It can also restore minerals to the tooth enamel and prevent harmful bacteria from populating the mouth.
Oral health significantly affects other bodily functions and overall health. Taking good care of children’s mouths is essential to keeping their oral and overall health excellent. Caring for the mouth appropriately requires the following:
- Brushing children’s teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing children’s teeth at least once during the day.
- Encouraging the child to avoid sugary snacks and beverages.
- Educating adolescents about the harmful effects of smoking and getting them to quit if possible.
- Visiting a board-certified dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings.
Fluoride treatments for kids are a preventive measure that helps keep their teeth healthy and prevent enamel erosion. Children with durable teeth are likely to excel in overall health as they wouldn’t be affected by unnecessary health issues.