A+ Dental

Houston Pediatric Specialists

How safe is fluoride for my child?

A common concern parents have when bringing their kids to A+ Dental is about the safety of fluoride treatment.

We always recommend using fluoride toothpaste and receiving fluoride treatments at every cleaning appointment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent decay by strengthening the enamel of the teeth. This makes the tooth less prone to cavities, which are caused by the acidic byproducts released by the bacteria in the mouth.

With fluoride, tooth decay can be reduced by up to 70%.

From the child’s very first tooth until their molars are completed in adolescence, fluoride is an integral part of decay prevention. For very young children under two, a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste can help keep their teeth strong. As the child grows older, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can really help prevent decay.

Who Can Benefit From Fluoride Treatment?

Children whose teeth are still developing are the most ideal candidates for fluoride treatment. At this age, fluoride will absorb the best and have the most effective result. People, any age, with white spots on their teeth, are also recommended to get fluoride treatments. These white spots are signs of mineral deficiencies from lack of fluoride. In these cases, fluoride treatments can even out the tone of the tooth. It is also highly suggested for patients undergoing orthodontic treatments. Orthodontic appliances make the teeth more prone to decay and cavities because cleaning is more difficult. You can increase your teeth’s protection by having a fluoride treatment.

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