Your child brushes her teeth twice a day, flosses regularly, and visits the dentist every six months. But did you know that rinsing with fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – also helps keep her teeth healthy and strong?
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating teeth and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface.
FLUORIDE COMES IN TWO VARIETIES, SYSTEMIC AND TOPICAL:
- Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply. While teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities.
- Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent caries (cavities) on teeth present in the mouth. It is delivered through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications. Professional application of topical fluoride foam and varnishes is also a valuable tool in cavity prevention.
RECEIVING A FLUORIDE TREATMENT FROM YOUR DENTIST
A fluoride treatment in the dentist’s office takes less than a minute. After the treatment, patients may be asked to avoid crunchy foods and hot liquids for a few hours in order to allow the fluoride coating to remain on the teeth as long as possible so the teeth can absorb the fluoride. Depending on your child’s oral health, it may be recommended by Dr. Webb to have a fluoride treatment more frequently than every six months. Your doctor may also prescribe at-home fluoride products such as toothpastes, gels, or antibacterial rinses.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLUORIDE TREATMENT
When choosing an at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and approved by the ADA based on safety and effectiveness.
