Questions You Might Have About Fluoride Treatment

Posted February 13, 2020

Some things about children’s dentistry are exactly the same as adult dental health care. For example, both young and older smiles need routine preventive care to stay clean and healthy. Both can also be subject to cavities if that care isn’t consistent. However, even with consistent care, children sometimes need a helping hand in preventing things like cavity development. With treatments like fluoride, we can often provide that help without the need for additional dental treatment.

What does it do for my child’s teeth?

Fluoride is a topical treatment that can be applied to the surfaces of your child’s teeth, where it can bond with the strands of minerals that make up your child’s tooth enamel. As the protective barrier around your child’s teeth, this enamel is the first defense against the harmful oral bacteria that lead to cavities. Bacteria attack this mineral layer by producing acids that weaken it and sap your child’s teeth of minerals. If this enamel erosion gets severe enough, it will expose the tooth to the bacteria, making a cavity almost imminent. The goal of fluoride treatment is to strengthen tooth enamel before this can occur, and give your child’s teeth a better chance at fighting of a cavity.

When is it actually necessary?

Fluoride treatment isn’t like regular dental cleaning. Your child shouldn’t need to have it applied during every single preventive appointment. However, during your child’s checkup, we may notice that enamel erosion is excessive and that the protective layer around their teeth has grown weak. If the enamel is not yet compromised, then there’s a good chance fluoride treatment can boost its remineralization and strengthen it before it’s too late.

Will it guarantee my child stays cavity-free?

The bacteria that lead to cavities are a constant presence in your child’s mouth (and yours). While fluoride treatment and excellent hygiene can help fight them back, they can’t guarantee that your child will never experience a cavity. Fortunately, you can greatly reduce the risks of it by ensuring your child sticks to good hygiene practices at home on a consistent basis, and attends a preventive checkup and cleaning appointment at least once every six months. If you never skip a visit, your child will have a better chance at receiving fluoride treatment in time to prevent a cavity, if it ever becomes necessary.

Learn if your child needs fluoride treatment

As part of a regular dental care routine, fluoride treatment can sometimes be just the boost your child needs to successfully prevent cavities. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.