At your child’s biannual visit to the dentist, you know to expect the examination and cleaning. While these are two essential components of preventive care, there are other measures their dental team may take to protect their teeth from decay, like fluoride treatments. To learn more about how fluoride affects your child’s teeth, keep reading!
Fluoride: What It Is & Why It’s Important
In short, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Decades prior, researchers discovered its ability to bind to tooth enamel, preventing decay in the process. It wasn’t long before it was incorporated into oral hygiene essentials, like toothpaste and mouthwash. While these measures have helped decrease cases of cavities, fluoride works best when applied topically. However, toothpaste and mouthwash only sit on your teeth for a minute or two at a time, and fluoride treatments are a bit longer. So, if your child’s dentist or dental hygienist feels like they need a little extra protection from tooth decay, they will recommend finishing their six-month dental checkup with a fluoride treatment!
So, Why Is There Controversy Surrounding Fluoride?
That all sounds good, right? Then where does the controversy stem from?
In the 1940s, efforts began to add fluoride into the public water supply. Today, roughly two-thirds of people in the U.S. have access to fluoride water (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). People who are against this feel that it’s an unethical form of mass medication. Conversely, supporters cite research from the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and other professional organizations stating that the process is both safe and effective.
It’s important to remember that the average concentration of fluoride in the public water is 1 part per million (1 ppm) or 1 milligram per liter, or slightly below. Of course, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to speak directly with your primary care physician or dentist so they can answer any specific questions you have.
6 Additional Ways to Protect Your Child’s Teeth from Decay
Fluoride treatments are a common way to help protect your child’s teeth from cavities. However, there are several other best practices that will keep their oral health in tip-top shape, including:
- Keeping consumption of added sugar to a minimum
- Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride twice a day
- Flossing daily between every two teeth that touch
- Getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports (even non-contact ones)
- Drinking water instead of soda, fruit juices, and sports/energy drinks
Fluoride treatments can go a long way in helping prevent tooth decay. Of course, if you have any questions about the benefits of it or you’d simply like to learn more about why your child’s dental team is recommending it, don’t hesitate to ask!
About the Practice
Our pediatric dentist, general dentist for children, and orthodontists love working together to create smiles that are as healthy and functional as they are beautiful. As a result, families from all over the Pelham area can turn to Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for their children’s dental needs. If you would like to learn more about fluoride or you want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (603) 635-1166.