Fluoride Treatments

Baby teeth eventually fall out, so why care for them? Baby teeth matter. As your child grows, these first teeth help with chewing and play a role in speech development. They also serve as placeholders, keeping the place the permanent teeth need to erupt in their correct alignment.

If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or damage, the neighboring teeth may shift out of alignment, interfering with the adult teeth when it's time for them to come in. That can lead to the need for orthodontic treatment down the road. Baby teeth are important, and it's never too early to start building healthy routines that will last a lifetime!

Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It is clinically proven to reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Most communities add fluoride to their drinking water supplies as a public health measure.

So, how does fluoride strengthen your child's teeth? The outer protective layer of every tooth is called the enamel. Cavity-causing bacteria break down sugary or starchy foods or beverages your child consumes, producing acids. These acids attack and erode the tooth enamel, a process known as demineralization, leaving the teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities.

Fluoride strengthens your child's tooth enamel, protecting it from acid attacks. It also has antimicrobial benefits, reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride can even reverse early decay by building up the demineralized areas of the tooth enamel in a process known as remineralization.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends professional fluoride treatments as soon as the first tooth emerges, which is typically around six months of age. From then on, fluoride applications during your child's twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings can help significantly lower the risk of cavities.

Aside from regular professional fluoride application, it's important to maintain good home oral hygiene practices that include regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste that's no larger than a grain of rice from when the first tooth emerges until about age three. For children ages three to six who are able to spit, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

It's important to supervise brushing time to ensure your child uses the right amount of toothpaste and learns to spit it out when done. You will need to continue assisting your child until you are confident they can thoroughly brush on their own, usually about age eight.