Get Stronger Teeth With Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride: it’s in our toothpaste, chewing gum, and sometimes even water! But what is it? And how does it help keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy? In our easy-to-follow guide for parents, we’ll go over the benefits of fluoride and we’ll cover the treatments available to keep your child’s smile strong and healthy. At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we proudly offer the best professional fluoride treatments for kids. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in the enamel that protects teeth. It’s also present in many of the foods we eat daily. Every time we eat, our teeth lose some of their enamel due to the acids in our food, and the plaque buildup in our teeth, in a process called demineralization. Eating foods that are rich in minerals like calcium and fluoride helps build that enamel back up, for strong and healthy teeth. Essentially, fluoride is a fantastic bodyguard to help protect your child’s teeth from decay! Here are just some of the ways fluoride benefits your child’s oral health:

• Strengthens teeth
• Prevents tooth decay caused by bacteria
• Makes teeth resistant to acids

How Can I Increase My Child’s Fluoride Intake?

Along with other minerals such as calcium and phosphate, fluoride is a mineral that is essential to maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Toddlers and small children require about .7 to 1.5 mg of fluoride in their daily diet to maintain a healthy layer of enamel and prevent cavities from forming. Thankfully, it can be found in many of the foods we consume daily, such as:

• Shrimp
• Raisins
• White rice
• Tap water
• Cooked oatmeal

However, factors such as differing fluoride levels in the water, food allergies, and the like can also affect what viable sources of fluoride are available to your child. Here are some other options to boost your child’s fluoride intake:

• Fluoride-enriched mouthwash
• Fluoride supplements
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Fluoride treatments

What Is Fluoride Treatment?

In cases where children are deficient in fluoride or are prone to tooth decay, fluoride treatment is always a viable option. Fluoride treatment is a safe and common procedure and may be recommended as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. Here are some of the different types of treatment available:

• Fluoride wash – Your child will be given a fluoride-enriched rinse to gargle.
• Fluoride gel – A topical fluoride gel will be applied to the teeth.
• Fluoride varnish – A concentrated film of fluoride will temporarily be applied to your child’s teeth.
• Fluoride foam – A fluoride-rich foam is placed in a mouthguard and applied for a short amount of time.

These treatments replenish the fluoride in your child’s teeth for a healthy layer of enamel. Depending on your child’s diet and eating habits, you may need to schedule an appointment quarterly or every six months. Call us today, and our dentists can let you know whether your child is ready for their first fluoride treatment!

Safe And Easy Fluoride Treatments With Us

Fluoride treatments are a great option for protecting your child’s teeth early on, helping prevent cavities while your child learns healthy oral habits. With regular fluoride treatments and regularly scheduled visits to Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, your child will be well on their way to having strong teeth for life. Call us today and our friendly staff will gladly schedule an appointment for your child’s first treatment.