Fluoride Treatments

We understand that taking care of your child’s wellbeing is your number one priority. At Tooth Town Pediatric Dentistry, we are here to help you do that by preventing cavities and keeping little smiles healthy. With regular fluoride treatments, we can strengthen weakened enamel and keep cavities at bay.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is commonly found in water, tea, eggs, and other types of foods. Almost all water contains at least a little bit of fluoride, but usually not enough to help prevent tooth decay. When a tooth begins to be weakened by oral bacteria (plaque and tartar), soft spots form. These soft spots are depleted of key minerals that keep teeth strong. Fluoride works by soaking into the soft spots and attracting these healthy minerals back into the tooth.

As a parent, it is completely understandable to be concerned about the safety of what is going into your child’s body. If you’re wondering about the toxicity of fluoride, we want to assure you that fluoride treatments are completely safe and highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that we all come in contact with almost daily. Fluoride is present in water, toothpastes, and even supplements which are all safe when used properly. In fact, research indicates that water fluoridation has decreased the rate of tooth decay by over 50 percent. Just think how much more effective and safe fluoride treatments are since they are administered by a highly trained professional in a healthcare setting such as our office!

At Tooth Town Pediatric Dentistry, we spend time with you to discuss the safe usage of fluoride treatments, toothpaste, and rinses to ensure you are comfortable, confident, and informed every step of the way. We’ll work together to create an at-home regime that compliments our in-office treatments and suits your child’s unique needs. Our pediatric dental specialists consider multiple factors, such as the developmental age of your child, when developing our treatment plans and recommendations.

According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children at moderate caries (tooth decay) risk should receive a professional fluoride treatment at least every six months, and that children of high risk should receive fluoride treatment more frequently, every three to six months.

Fluoride treatments are extremely common and dentists have effectively used them for decades to help protect the oral health of children and adults, especially patients who may be at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Factors that can contribute to a higher risk of developing cavities include a history of dental decay, poor oral hygiene, or health issues that affect the health of tooth enamel. For these cases, we usually recommend topical fluoride treatments every three to six months. Every child is different though, so it is best to discuss any questions you may have at your next cleaning appointment.

At your child’s routine dental visit, we apply a fluoride solution to each tooth with a brush. After the treatment, your little one should not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. That’s it! Fluoride treatments are a simple part of any oral healthcare routine.

If you are interested in helping to reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities, fluoride treatment can make a big difference. To find out more about this treatment, don’t hesitate to call our Holly Springs, GA office and schedule a consultation with Tooth Town Pediatric Dentistry today. To learn more about dental fluoride and its benefits, click here for information provided by the AAPD.

Fluoride treatments use a thin layer of fluoride-rich “varnish” that’s painted onto your child’s teeth after their teeth cleaning. This process takes only a few minutes, and is very beneficial for kids, especially those prone to cavities.

Fluoride helps strengthen the teeth and can even reverse very minor decay (soft spots). It attracts minerals like calcium and phosphates to the teeth to make them stronger and protect your child’s oral health.