When it comes to maintaining children’s oral health, many parents opt for fluoride treatments from pediatric dentists. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in bones, teeth, and the environment that is often added to municipal water supplies, though it is also applied topically on teeth to support dental health. Learn more about fluoride here, including what it will do for your child’s smile. 

Why Fluoride Is Important

Dental plaque feeds on sugary food particles, producing decay-causing acids that break down enamel, or the white protective mineral coating on teeth. As enamel wears away, it exposes sensitive underlying tooth layers and increases the risk of cavities. Fluoride helps protect against tooth decay by remineralizing weakened parts of teeth and slowing further enamel losses. It can even reverse tooth decay in its initial stages to prevent cavities from forming. 

In addition to municipal water supplies and topical treatments, fluoride is found in toothpaste, supplements, and mouth rinses. 

How Treatment Works for Kids 

Children are susceptible to cavities for numerous reasons, including frequent consumption of sugary treats, tooth brushing and flossing challenges, and lack of fluoride in the water supply. Babies and toddlers are arguably at greater risk of cavities if their parents share utensils with them, because the adults transfer mutans streptococcus germs. Children are born without these mouth germs and become prone to tooth decay once the mutans establish themselves.

To reduce your child’s cavity risk, avoid sharing utensils, help them brush and floss, and take them to the pediatric dentist for fluoride treatment. The dental professional uses a small brush to paint fluoride gel or varnish on the little one’s teeth, which hardens into a protective coating. Once the treatment is over, do not provide your child with hot drinks or crunchy foods, nor allow them to brush and floss for four to six hours. This gives the fluoride sufficient time to cure. Your child can still consume other foods and beverages during this time, and will enjoy stronger, healthier teeth. 

If fluoride treatment is ideal for your child’s smile, make an appointment at Kapolei Keiki Dental. These Kapolei, HI-based pediatric dentists provide several cavity prevention treatments, including deep teeth cleanings and dental sealants, to reduce tooth decay risks. Call (808) 944-1020 today to schedule a visit, or learn more about the pediatric dentists online. Get additional dental care tips on Facebook.