Plano Fluoride Treatment for Children

Helping Prevent Tooth Decay & Cavities

As a parent, you are likely concerned about many aspects of your child's overall health, including their oral health. Taking your child to the dentist every six months is the most effective step you can take towards protecting their teeth and oral health. However, there are other steps you can take to help increase your child's oral health, such as making sure they brush and floss every day, as well as regular fluoride treatments. At Soaring Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend topical fluoride treatments and can work with you to create a treatment plan that is customized according to your child's specific fluoride needs.

How Do Fluoride Treatments for Children Work?

Fluoride comes in two forms: topical and systemic. Systemic fluoride is usually transported through the public water supply and ingested in very small amounts. This is especially important at a young age when the teeth are still forming underneath the gums.

Topical fluoride, on the other hand, can be applied in many forms, such as:

• At the dentist in a foam or varnish form
• In mouthwash and toothpaste

Typically, these treatments only take a few minutes, and it is important that your child follows careful instructions to give the fluoride the best chance to be effective. For example, we highly recommend that your child not eat, rinse, or drink for at least half an hour while the fluoride absorbs into the teeth.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Your mouth contains natural bacteria that produce acid to assist with the break down of sugar and carbs. However, this bacteria, unfortunately, eats away at vital minerals in your teeth enamel, which weakens them.

Fortunately, regular fluoride treatments can:

• Remineralize the weakened tooth enamel, which strengthens it
• Prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth
• Slow down tooth enamel mineral loss
• Prevent cavities

Schedule a Fluoride Treatment with a Pediatric Dentist

Fluoride is incredibly effective, as it coats teeth and helps to reduce the amount of plaque that can build up on the teeth. If you are unsure whether or not your child needs fluoride, a pediatric dentist from our office can be the best judge.