Kids' teeth are especially vulnerable to decay for many reasons. One of the things that may help lessen their risk of cavities is fluoride for kids. Flouride is a mineral that helps protect the teeth from cavities and tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel, preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth, and providing essential minerals for strong teeth. In this blog, our pediatric dentistry Puyallup will tell you about how fluoride will help you to kids' teeth healthy.
Our teeth naturally contain fluoride, but administering fluoride helps provide an additional amount to help protect teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoride can be provided through fluoride toothpaste, drinking water, fluoride treatments, fluoride gel, and fluoride drops.
Most of these can be administered at home but the most effective option is fluoride treatment at the dentist's office. A pediatric dentistry Puyallup practice may offer fluoride for kids treatment to help reduce their risk of cavities.
Toothpaste is fluoride’s primary vehicle for cavity prevention. Every time a toothbrush touches the teeth, fluoride from the toothpaste is transferred onto the surfaces of the teeth. Most fluoride toothpaste contains an amount of fluoride that is considered safe for kids, but it’s important to always supervise your children when they’re brushing their teeth.
Drinking fluoride-fortified water is another way fluoride helps protect teeth from decay. Fluoride in drinking water can help reduce cavities by as much as 25%. For this reason, fluoride is added to the public water supply of many cities and towns. Community water fluoridation is considered one of the most cost-effective public health initiatives.
Many dentists recommend fluoride treatments for kids who are at a high risk of developing cavities. During fluoride for kids treatments, fluoride is applied to the teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. It’s important to note that fluoride treatments are only recommended by dentists if they feel there is a specific need.
Your dentist may also suggest fluoride gel or drops for your child. Fluoride gel and drops are applied directly to the teeth, usually in a dental office but can also come in at-home kits. They are also only recommended for children who have a higher risk of cavities or tooth decay.
The best way you can avoid tooth decay and severe toothaches in kids are to practice preventive dentistry in Puyallup. This includes fluoride for kids, but also regular visits to the dentist, teaching your kids proper oral hygiene, and limiting their sugar intake. Below are the other preventive dental procedures you can consider for your kids:
Kids need to see the dentist every six months for check-ups and teeth cleanings. During a dental visit, their dentist will examine their teeth and gums for any problems like cavities, gum disease, or alignment issues. During each appointment, the dentist may recommend a dental cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, or fluoride gels.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted onto the surface of teeth and help keep out bacteria. They are usually used to protect the molars, which have deep grooves that can be hard to clean.
A fluoride varnish is a fluoride for kids treatment that is painted onto the teeth to help prevent cavities. The fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it harder for bacteria to stick to the teeth and cause decay.
Every efficient treatment plan begins with a consultation with a pediatric dentist. Kids' Choice Dental is located in Seattle, Pierce, and King County, WA, and offers a wide range of pediatric dentistry services. We have been working with kids for many years, and we’ll make sure your child has a positive experience with fluoride treatment and other procedures.
At Kids' Choice Dental, our emphasis is on total preventative care. We provide fluoride for kids treatment, as well as dental cleanings, x-rays, sealants, and more. We would love to see your child by their first birthday.
One of the most important things we do is educate parents in the early detection of some common problems in children’s teeth. We also encourage regular hygiene, regular checkups, and continued home oral health routines.
If you’re looking for pediatric dentistry Puyallup or fluoride treatments in the Seattle area, contact Kids' Choice Dental today. We look forward to helping keep your little one’s teeth happy and healthy! Together, we can help prevent tooth decay in kids and make sure they have the best possible smile. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
