Dental Fluoride Treatments

Dental fluoride treatments prevent cavities in children and adults. It is especially important for children 6 months to 16 years old to get enough fluoride to protect their teeth.

When bacteria build up on teeth, they produce acids that dissolve the tooth’s enamel, eventually forming a cavity. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and protects against the acid attack. In some cases, it can add minerals back to the enamel and reverse the damage from the acid attack.

Fluoridated Water Supplies

Many communities add low doses of fluoride to the local drinking water, which helps greatly in reducing tooth decay. If your water does not have fluoride, we can prescribe a fluoride pill or drops that deliver safe doses of fluoride to help strengthen teeth.

Fluoridated Oral Care Products

Everyone in the family should use fluoride toothpaste. Children should use only a thin smear until they are old enough not to swallow it. Older children and adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush. Older children can benefit from a fluoride mouthwash.

We may recommend a more concentrated dose of fluoride that we apply here in the office. We will use a tray to apply either fluoride foam or gel, or we may use a small brush to apply a fluoride varnish.

Fluoride is a strong weapon in the fight against decay and can help your child be cavity-free for a lifetime.