Your child brushes their teeth twice a day, flosses regularly, and visits the dentist every six months. But did you know that rinsing with fluoride – a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – also helps keep their teeth healthy and strong?
Fluoride prevents plaque build-up on the teeth and helps to harden the outer enamel surface of the teeth.
FLUORIDE COMES IN TWO VARIETIES, SYSTEMIC AND TOPICAL
- Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply.
- Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent cavities on teeth that are already present in the mouth. Fluoride is also delivered topically through the public water supply. It is also in toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications. Professional fluoride applications consist of a high dose topical fluoride in a varnish form that is designed to adhere to the outer surface of the teeth after a cleaning.
RECEIVING A FLUORIDE TREATMENT FROM YOUR DENTIST
A fluoride treatment in the dentist’s office takes less than a minute. After the treatment, patients may be asked to avoid crunchy foods and hot liquids for a two hours in order to allow the fluoride coating to remain on the teeth as long as possible so the teeth can absorb the fluoride. Dr. Katie may recommend application of Fluoride at more frequent intervals based on your child’s dental health. Dr. Katie may also recommend over the counter fluoride rinses or prescription fluoride toothpastes.