Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry is pleased to offer a range of preventive dentistry options to keep young smiles healthy and sound. We encourage our young patients to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and limit their consumption of sugary, starchy, or acidic drinks. Another valuable tool in our ongoing battle against tooth decay and cavities is offering fluoride treatments.

What Is Fluoride and What Are Its Benefits?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. Most community water systems in America and worldwide add fluoride to drinking water as a public health measure to prevent tooth decay. The powerful cavity-fighter is also used in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

So why is fluoride so important for your little one’s teeth? Cavity-causing bacteria love to feast on sugars and starches, producing acids that eat away at the teeth. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel, making it harder, stronger, and more resistant to acid attacks. That helps lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Fluoride can also help reverse tooth decay in its early stages. If a cavity begins to form, fluoride helps remineralize the tooth enamel, reversing tooth decay or preventing a cavity from worsening.

As the fluoride strengthens your child’s baby teeth and their developing replacements, the permanent teeth are stronger and more resistant to cavities when they come in, leaving a lasting impact on your child’s long-term dental health.

When Should Your Child First Get Fluoride Treatments?

The American Dental Association (ADA) has recently updated the guidelines on when to start fluoride applications, recommending treatment starting when the first tooth erupts, around six months. From then on, we recommend fluoride treatments during your child’s routine, twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Routine fluoride treatment is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent cavities.

What Is the Fluoride Application Process?

Fluoride treatments are quick and painless. We apply fluoride varnish to your child’s tooth surfaces using a tiny brush. As soon as the varnish comes in contact with the saliva, it hardens. The entire treatment takes minutes to complete, providing powerful protection against cavities.

Is Fluoride Safe for Children?

Fluoride is a safe and effective way to keep cavities at bay, but as with anything good, too much can be problematic. Exposure to large amounts of fluoride when a child’s teeth are developing, usually before age eight, can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis, which is characterized by white spots or flecks on the tooth surfaces. The good news is that fluorosis is only a cosmetic concern with no impact on your child’s health.

Fluoride Treatment Near Me in Glendale, AZ

Now that you know the benefits of fluoride, we invite you to visit Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to give your child’s teeth a cavity-fighting boost. Remember, keeping up with preventive dental care, including dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatment, will help ensure your child enjoys healthy, happy smiles for many years to come. We invite you to call us at 623-322-2277 to schedule your child’s appointment today!