Gum and tooth health is critical to your child’s overall health. This is why your child’s doctor will discuss excellent dental habits with you even before your child’s first tooth arrives. Your doctor may prescribe that your child receive fluoride treatments in the pediatrician’s office once he or she has a tooth to help prevent tooth decay. This can be done two to four times a year. The number of treatments required is determined by the likelihood that your child may develop a cavity.
What Is Fluoride?
Let us begin with an overview of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral found in the environment such as air, water, plants, and rocks. It can occur naturally, but it can also be added to products like drinking water and toothpaste. Because fluoride helps prevent tooth decay in humans, it is found in many dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. While a certain quantity of fluoride is helpful and even necessary for all humans’ dental health, newborns and very young children require less fluoride than older children and adults.
How is Fluoride Varnish applied to the Teeth?
With a little brush, fluoride varnish is applied to the top and sides of each tooth. It is sticky at first but hardens as it comes into touch with saliva. Your child may feel the hardened varnish with his tongue, but he will not be able to lick it off. It does not hurt when the varnish is applied. However, tiny children may still cry before or during the surgery. Fortunately, brushing on the varnish just takes a few minutes. Applying the varnish may also be simpler while a youngster is sobbing since his mouth will be somewhat open. You may be requested to hold your child in your lap while you are knee-to-knee with the person applying the varnish. Visit Spanaway Children’s Dentistry for the best dental Fluoride treatment in Spanaway, WA.
What is the importance of fluoride?
Fluoride is one of the most effective and safest cavity-prevention treatments for both children and adults. Bacteria in your mouth thrive on the sugars included in the foods and beverages we consume. This causes acid to be released, which can dissolve the strong outer layer of your tooth. Cavities could form as a result of this. Fluoride protects teeth by making them stronger and more acid-resistant. It not only reduces the likelihood of cavities but can also help reverse early signs of deterioration.
Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?
Fluoride, both topical and systemic, can benefit children over the age of six months because it helps protect their initial set of baby teeth and prevents future adult teeth from rotting by promoting the formation of good enamel.
Babies and young children tend to swallow toothpaste when having their teeth brushed due to an inability to properly spit. It is safe to swallow a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse; however, swallowing too much could be harmful. As a result, children who are unable to properly spit should be supervised by an adult when administering toothpaste and cleaning their teeth.
We hope this blog has provided you with all of the necessary information. Are you looking for the best pediatric dentistry in Spanaway, WA? Consult our dentists at Spanaway Children’s Dentistry and choose from a variety of children’s dental care treatments.
