Fluoride Treatment
As parents, you want to protect your children. There are few things as preventable as cavities because fluoride treatment is widely available, and it does a terrific job protecting your children’s teeth from decay. If you are seeking dental health treatment in North Carolina, Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is a dual practice that offers a full spectrum of dental services for kids, from first check-ups through orthodontics and any preventive care available.
What is a fluoride treatment? To learn more about fluoride treatment in North Carolina, call Clifton & Mauney at 888.339.8108 today or use this online form to connect with us. We can answer all your questions and help set you up for an appointment.
What Is Fluoride Treatment for Kids?
When you take your child to the dentist for a fluoride treatment, the goal is to get the fluoride directly onto the teeth. This topical application is ideal during childhood:
- When the teeth are still developing
- If your child is at higher risk of developing cavities
The dentist or hygienist applies a fluoride varnish, gel, or foam to the surfaces of each tooth, being careful to get coverage where bacteria can form and lead to decay, for example, in deep grooves on the surface of molars and in any gaps between teeth.
Why Do Children Need Fluoride Treatment?
Tooth enamel is made of calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, and other minerals. If your child’s teeth don’t have enough fluoride or if they consume sugary foods, bacteria gather on the tooth to go after any food particles and sugars left in the mouth. This bacteria leads to plaque buildup, which causes acids to form. The acid eats at the enamel and, over time, results in cavities.
The presence of fluoride in the mouth prevents the bacteria buildup that starts the ball rolling toward decay, cavities, and the need for fillings. The best approach for many children is to provide fluoride treatments and keep up with regular cleanings.
The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatment for kids is a cavity prevention approach that many pediatric dentists recommend. The children most at risk of tooth decay are those who don’t or cannot brush twice a day or who do not have access to nutritious, low-sugar foods. However, any child can benefit from fluoride treatments.
Fluoride treatments:
- Help the body reabsorb critical tooth minerals to repair weakened tooth enamel
- Protect tooth enamel from opportunistic bacteria
- Slow or prevent cavity development
- Help prevent gum disease and tooth loss in the long term
- Enhance overall physical health because poor oral health is linked to a range of health issues such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and respiratory challenges
- Are a preventive approach to dental medicine and reduce the need for future interventions
- Help save expenses over time
Before a child is old enough to receive fluoride treatments at the dentist, there are fluoride drops that can be given to very young babies and toddlers.
Call Clifton & Mauney Today about Fluoride Treatment in North Carolina
Our goal at Clifton & Mauney is to do whatever helps you and your family navigate oral care for your child or children. We try to schedule things together to minimize your need to come back multiple times for different services or for different children. Whether it’s fluoride treatment, sealants, braces, or oral surgery, we ensure that your child—and you—are taken care of and that you feel thoroughly informed about our recommendations, what the options are, and how we will proceed with a minimum of inconvenience or stress.
Let’s have a conversation about fluoride treatments when you call us at 888.339.8108 or at your next visit. You can also reach out with questions by filling out this online form. Let Clifton & Mauney be your one-stop for children’s dentistry and orthodontics.