When it comes to dental decay, a pediatric dentist may recommend fluoride use as a prevention strategy. Tooth decay is the most common disease among children. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride for strengthening the enamel and preventing cavities.
Fluoride works well against cavities via topical and systemic deliveries. It prevents tooth demineralization, promotes remineralization and hinders bacterial metabolism. A study published in the Materia Socio-Medica found that fluoride inhibits bacterial fusion with the teeth. The topical application of fluoride provides the most benefits. Systemic use includes things like fluoridated drinking water. This helps to solidify the enamel and promote its resistance to demineralization.
Pediatric dentists recommend topical application of fluoride during tooth development. This includes toothpaste or varnish for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggests dietary fluoride supplements for children who do not get enough fluoride in their drinking water. The AAP recommends fluoride dental rinses for children above 6 years old who are more prone to having dental caries.
Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is recommended from the eruption of the first tooth until adulthood. From tooth eruption until your child turns 3 years old, you should only give your children a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. This is enough for brushing in the morning and night. When the child is above age 3 or can effectively spit without supervision, they should be given a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Teach your child to spit after brushing. The water used for rinsing after brushing should be limited to promote proper fluoride contact with the teeth. Fluoride toothpaste should be stored away from children’s reach. Ingestion of toothpaste usually causes an upset stomach but can require medical treatment.
Dental rinses
Fluoride rinses can be helpful for children who are prone to dental cavities or live in communities without fluoridated water. Dental rinses are only recommended for high-risk children above age 6 who can rinse and spit without supervision. Parents should avoid buying rinses with alcohol for their children. Fluoride mouthwashes, supplements and gels can be used to complement brushing. Ask your dentist before adding this to your child’s dental care routine.
Varnish
This is highly concentrated fluoride that is applied topically on the teeth by a dental professional. Fluoride varnish is useful for reducing the incidence of cavities significantly. Dentists recommend that children should get varnish once their teeth start erupting every three to six months. This can change based on your child’s susceptibility to dental caries. Applying varnish is simple and straightforward, so your child has nothing to fear.
Be sure to limit your child’s fluoride use during tooth development, as that could cause fluorosis. It creates white lines and streaks on the teeth, which can cause your child to be self-conscious. Learn more about how to properly care for your child’s oral health by scheduling a consultation with our pediatric dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental sealants are a treatment in which an invisible coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay. There are two main types of dental sealants pediatric dentists may recommend. This article discusses both.The two most common types of dental sealant materials are composite resin and glass ionomer.…
While dental sealants can protect teeth against decay in patients of all ages, a pediatric dentist usually recommends them for children. Tooth decay is one of the top dental issues that children develop, and it can have lifelong consequences.Baby teeth do not have as much enamel as permanent teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay.…
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child's teeth from decay for up to five years. This non-invasive procedure does not permanently alter your child's teeth. The sealant is simply painted on the grooves and depressions of their teeth and hardened with ultraviolet light.Many parents have questions about protecting their child's teeth with…
Kids dental crowns are restorations used to prevent baby teeth from falling out before they are supposed to. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, ensuring proper dental development and jaw alignment. While some parents may wonder why a pediatric dentist would not simply pull damaged teeth, kids' dental crowns protect affected baby teeth from…
Dental sealants are a treatment in which an invisible coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay. There are two main types of dental sealants pediatric dentists may recommend. This article discusses both.The two most common types of dental sealant materials are composite resin and glass ionomer.…
While dental sealants can protect teeth against decay in patients of all ages, a pediatric dentist usually recommends them for children. Tooth decay is one of the top dental issues that children develop, and it can have lifelong consequences.Baby teeth do not have as much enamel as permanent teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay.…