Fluoride is a compound that contains fluorine, a natural element. Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay. In areas where fluoride does not occur naturally, it may be added to community water supplies. Research shows that community water fluoridation has lowered decay rates by over 50 percent, which means that fewer children grow up with cavities. Fluoride can be found as an active ingredient in many dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinse, gels, and varnish.
How does fluoride prevent cavities?
Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (strengthening areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities). Fluoride also affects bacteria that cause cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth. Risk for decay is reduced even more when fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.
How safe is fluoride?
Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth.
What is topical fluoride?
Topical fluoride is a preventative agent applied to tooth enamel. It comes in a number of different forms. A dental professional places gels or foams in trays that are held against teeth for up to 4 minutes. Fluoride varnish is brushed or “painted” on the enamel. Varnish is especially useful for young patients and those with special needs who may not tolerate fluoride trays.
Can my child eat and drink right away after a fluoride treatment?
With a fluoride varnish treatment, your child can eat and drink right away. For 6 hours following the treatment, he/she should not have any hot food or drinks (like soup or hot chocolate) that might melt the fluoride, or crunchy foods (like chips or apples) that might scrape it off. He/she should also not brush or floss for 6 hours.
With a fluoride gel/foam treatment, your child cannot eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
Information from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website
Thank you for these awesome 5 star reviews! From Google: “We tried two other pediatric dentists before finding Dr. Bryan. We have a very anxious kid; one dentist asked us to drug her up for her appointment, and she ran out of the other one’s office when they took her back but didn’t explain anything. Dr….
From Google: “Dr. Savage is an outstanding pediatric dentist. My son has been a patient for over 10 years. Dr. Savage is very kind, caring, as well as a very good dentist. My son actually looks forward to going to the dentist. I would highly recommend Dr. Savage to any new patients who are considering…
We love hearing great feedback from our patient parents! Check out these 5 Star Reviews: From Google: “We have been going to Dr. Savage for 6 or 7 years now and love him and his whole staff. In that time we have had two dental emergencies and have always been given an immediate appointment. I have…
From Google: “This was my son’s first dental examination, and it was truly a pleasurable experience for him, which made it wonderful in my book. The dental hygienist was so kind, she spoke to my son in a manner that made him feel comfortable- like this was an awesome thing he was about to partake…
What are dental sealants? Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth….
With summertime approaching, the family schedule can get pretty packed with fun-filled activities. Whether it’s a road trip, sports camps, or just family outings, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that we aren’t making snack-time an afterthought. We’ve compiled a list of foods that we think would be great additions to the summer…
