About Fluoride Treatments
Have you ever wondered why fluoride is sometimes added to public water or in dental products? This mineral provides reinforcement for tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. In addition to these common sources of fluoride, we can give your child a concentrated topical fluoride treatment after we clean their teeth. As a result, they can more easily stay cavity-free until their next dental appointment in six months.
What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride helps strengthen young teeth and protects against future tooth decay and cavities. Additional benefits of fluoride treatment at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Prosper, TX include:
- Protecting tooth enamel
- Restoring essential minerals in the teeth
- Saving money by avoiding serious dental problems in the future
- Fluoride treatments are quick, easy, and painless for your child
- Treatments are safe and effective
- Fluoride administered at a dental office provides more concentrated fluoride than fluoridated water alone
Fluoride Treatment Reviews
Who is a candidate for fluoride treatment?
Fluoride treatments are advised for children of all ages, starting as soon as their first tooth erupts. This is because baby teeth are especially susceptible to cavities and decay. As their baby teeth fully erupt, WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry may recommend fluoride treatments based on their current dental health and risk for cavities. Our pediatric dentists will always take your child’s unique needs into account when making treatment recommendations.
How Is Fluoride Treatment Performed?
Fluoride treatments are usually done twice a year after a professional cleaning and dental exam. The fluoride is usually applied using small and noninvasive dental tools. The process only takes a few minutes and does not require any anesthesia. After the solution is applied, WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry removes any excess fluoride and makes sure that your child’s teeth are clean and healthy.
What Should I Expect After Fluoride Treatment?
Nausea might occur when some fluoride is unintentionally ingested; however, this should go away about a day after the session. In some cases, Dr. Karrie Lee or a team member may provide additional fluoride supplements or a dentist-approved fluoridated toothpaste to be used at home. Given that fluoride can be toxic in high volumes, parents must be careful to keep fluoride products out of reach of children except when brushing or being applied. While in-office fluoride services help to ward off cavities, your child still needs to clean their teeth with fluoridated products, like toothpaste, twice a day. We also advise your child to attend biannual oral exams and thorough cleanings at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry so Dr. Lee and our team can keep track of your overall dental wellness.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a cutting-edge alternative to traditional fluoride treatments. SDF is a colorless liquid that is carefully applied to the teeth using a special dental brush. It combines silver, which eliminates the bacteria responsible for causing cavities, and fluoride to help prevent or reduce further decay. This conservative option is great for young children or anyone who has difficulty with regular fluoride at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric dentists prefer Silver Diamine Fluoride because it is a fast, easy, and cost-effective way to protect your child’s teeth.
Fluoride treatment FAQs
How many times can I get fluoride treatment?
Fluoride is an excellent way to help protect your child's teeth from cavities. The American Dental Association suggests getting fluoride treatment every few months up to a year based on their oral health. If your child is at risk of cavities, pediatric dentist Dr. Lee may recommend more frequent fluoride treatments.
What are the side effects of fluoride?
Too much fluoride can cause some side effects in children, including stomachaches. This is why it's best to listen to a pediatric dentist before and after treatment. Excess fluoride can also cause a condition called fluorosis, which leads to tooth discoloration. WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry can provide more knowledge about side effects at our office.
How else can I prevent cavities?
Proper oral hygiene is very important if you want to prevent cavities. In addition to fluoride treatment from a pediatric dentist, you and your children should brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Continue to visit our clinic for regular checkups and call if you have any tooth pain or problems with your teeth or gums.
Protect And Preserve Your Child's Teeth
Preserve the health of your child's teeth with professional fluoride treatments at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Prosper, TX. Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Karrie Lee advises fluoride treatments to fortify children's teeth, protect against cavities, and minimize tooth decay. So if you're in the Prosper, or Aubrey, TX area, call us today to set up a professional cleaning paired with a fluoride treatment and help keep your child's smile strong, healthy, and beautiful.