The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments For Kids

Fluoride is a mineral that can reverse tooth decay. It is a magical mineral that can work wonders if taken in small quantities. It strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of cavities. There is no limit to fluoride benefits, especially for kids. It is a naturally occurring mineral easily found in various foods and drinks.

This article will help you understand how fluoride can be helpful for you. You can also learn about fluoride’s side effects and benefits. Fluoride treatment and its benefits for kids will help you understand how it can strengthen your oral regime.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatment is a dental procedure to prevent cavities and tooth decay and strengthen the tooth enamel. The dentist applies a layer of fluoride in gel to your teeth. The fluoride can be in any form, such as gel, foam, varnish, or rinse. After application, it will remineralize the enamel that is damaged due to bacteria.

The treatment usually takes a few minutes, but you must avoid eating or drinking for forty minutes afterward. Many dentists recommend this treatment every six months. It can help you balance your oral health and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Fluoride Treatment For Kids

Fluoride is essential for kids. Kids between six months and late teens must have an appropriate amount of fluoride. This intake helps them with timely teeth eruptions as well. As per the American Dental Association, kids who do not have fluoride-rich water sources must use fluoride-based toothpaste or mouthwash. Here are some ADA recommendations one can follow:

• Kids must use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while brushing every day.
• Spitting the toothpaste is preferred rather than swallowing it.
• Children below six months are too young to consume any minerals other than breast milk.
• Excess of fluoride can result in enamel fluorosis even before the kid’s teeth erupt through their gums.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is beneficial for everyone, whether adults or kids. With the necessary benefits, you can improve your oral health and prolong your tooth’s life. Here are the benefits of fluoride treatment you can learn about:

• Strengthening of Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the outer layer of your teeth. Due to plaque and bacteria buildup, it can get damaged. Also, if you have poor oral hygiene, your enamel gets damaged. With fluoride treatment, your tooth enamel remineralizes. It can also help strengthen your teeth and provide better protection to the outer layer.

• Preventing Cavities

Cavities are common dental issues for kids and even adults. Most kids are careless about their food habits and oral hygiene. This might lead to cavities, tooth decay, and excessive plaque buildup.

Fluoride treatment can help kids clean their hard-to-reach areas and improve oral hygiene. This will also help them familiarize themselves with the dentist and identify any probability of dental issues that might be present. It makes teeth more resilient to tooth decay.

• Helping the Body Utilize Minerals

Fluoride treatment helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphate better. This also helps to repair weakened tooth enamel. After the treatment, the body’s absorption rate for minerals increases.

• Reduce Tooth Pain 

People in pain due to dental conditions might feel relief after the treatment. This might be temporary, but it can help you improve your oral health. You also might take over-the-counter pain meds, but this treatment has many side benefits as well.

• Prolonging the life of a baby tooth

Most kids who have fluoride deficiency might lose their baby teeth early. With fluoride treatment, they can prolong its life. This also safeguards and strengthens your teeth.

• Prevent Periodontal Disease

Fluoride treatment involves a cleaning process. With fluoride treatments, you can minimize the buildup of deposits around your teeth. This prevents any periodontal diseases. It will also improve your tooth enamel.

• Improving Oral Health

Fluoride is found in drinking water, food, and beverages. All these benefits can help you improve your oral health. It prevents the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. It slows down the process of demineralization and reverses early tooth decay. These benefits strengthen tooth enamel and improve your oral hygiene.

Side Effects of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is beneficial, but it has several side effects. Favored fluoride toothpaste is harmful to kids. Also, large quantities of fluoride are toxic. Only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste or a small amount of mouthwash prevents tooth decay.

You must offer this treatment or fluoride-based products to children above six months of age. Infants must consume breastmilk for all mineral needs only. If you are too concerned about what amount of fluoride is sufficient, you can consult your doctor.

Conclusion

The most common side effect of fluoride is fluorosis. In this way, people can observe spots on their teeth. Testing a sample can help you avoid this dental issue if you consume well water. Also, you cannot brush away fluorosis.

You must stay quite particular about your fluoride consumption, especially if you have to check your kid’s fluoride intake. You can also visit our experts at Cypress Pediatric Dentist to consult more about fluoride and treatment based on it. You can also learn about side effects and avoid them without an expert dentist.