Fluoride Treatments
What Is Fluoride Treatments?
Professional fluoride treatments are procedures that help teeth absorb the fluoride they need. This is done if fluoride toothpaste and rinses and fluoride-containing water do not supply enough fluoride to the teeth. Fluoride protects against the formation of cavities, especially for the difficult-to-clean grooved tooth surfaces.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is present in water and many foods. While your child will obtain some fluoride from their diet and fluoridated toothpaste as they brush, a professional fluoride treatment can help strengthen their tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay. At Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center, we offer fluoride treatment to make your child’s teeth more robust and cavity-free.
Is Fluoride Safe?
As parents, it is natural to feel worried about the toxicity of fluoride. We can assure you that fluoride is recognized to be safe and highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Research has shown that the fluoridation of water has reduced tooth decay by over fifty percent.
Fluoride toothpaste and other kinds of fluoride supplements are safe when used correctly. These supplements also make teeth more resistant to dental decay and repair minor areas of decay before they become harmful cavities.
We can discuss the safe usage of fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses for your child. The dosage must be correct and overseen by parents. Besides, we take into account multiple factors, such as your child’s age, when prescribing these fluoride supplements.
When Is Professional Fluoride Treatment Necessary?
Based on the fluoride guidelines of both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that children who are at considerable risk for caries undergo a professional fluoride treatment at least every six months and more frequently for those at a higher risk.
As pediatric dentists, we have effectively used in-office fluoride treatments to help protect children’s dental health, especially those at a higher risk of developing tooth decay.
How Is the Fluoride Application Procedure Done?
At your child’s regular dental visit, we will apply a fluoride solution to each tooth with a brush. After the treatment, your child may be advised to refrain from rinsing, drinking, or eating for at least half an hour to allow the fluoride to be absorbed by the teeth.
How Often Should Children Receive Fluoride Treatment?
We suggest fluoride treatment once every six months. But for children prone to have tooth decay and other special cases, we might recommend more frequent applications.
If you are interested in learning more about our fluoride treatments, call Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center in Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 at (360) 855-0351 and schedule a consultation.
