Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is a safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay, fight off harmful bacteria, and strengthen tooth enamel in both kids and adults.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in our bones and teeth. It is also present in our drinking water, toothpastes, and mouthwashes because of its effectiveness at combating tooth decay and strengthening enamel. Even if your child receives fluoride through sources, such as drinking water, that doesn’t mean that additional treatment is not necessary or beneficial.
All children are at an increased risk for cavities because they have less dexterity than adults when it comes to brushing and flossing. This makes it more effective to remove all of the harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay. No matter your child’s age, fluoride treatment can be extremely effective when applied each time you bring them in for a dental appointment.
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What is fluoride treatment and why do kids need it?
Professional fluoride treatment for kids is one of the most effective ways to strengthen tooth enamel and protect developing teeth from cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that rebuilds weakened enamel and can even reverse the very earliest stages of tooth decay through a process called remineralization. In-office fluoride treatments deliver a higher concentration than what’s found in fluoride toothpaste, giving your child an extra layer of protection at every cleaning visit.
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What does a kids' fluoride treatment involve?
In-office fluoride treatment is fast and painless. We apply a fluoride varnish, foam, or gel directly to the teeth — the whole process takes about one to two minutes. Your child should avoid eating or drinking for approximately 30 minutes afterward so the fluoride has time to absorb into the enamel. We typically recommend fluoride treatments every six months as part of your child’s regular cleaning appointment.
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Is professional fluoride treatment safe for children?
Yes. Fluoride has been studied extensively and is safe for children when used as directed. Professional treatments use a higher concentration than everyday fluoride toothpaste, but the amount applied to the teeth is very small. Our team always takes your child’s age, size, and individual cavity risk into account. If you have questions or concerns about fluoride, we’re always happy to talk through them at your appointment.
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Does my child need fluoride treatments if they already use fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride toothpaste provides important daily protection, but it can’t match the concentrated dose of a professional fluoride treatment. In-office applications deliver fluoride directly to the tooth surface in a form that absorbs deeply into the enamel — making them especially beneficial for children at higher risk for cavities, including those who consume a lot of sugary foods, have a history of decay, or have difficulty brushing thoroughly.
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Does dental insurance cover fluoride treatments for children?
Most dental insurance plans cover professional fluoride treatments for children, typically up to age 18. Coverage details vary by plan, so we recommend checking with your provider to confirm your benefits. Our team is also happy to help answer questions about your coverage at your next visit.
Questions About Fluoride?
We recommend that your child gets a fluoride application at each visit. Any and all treatments for your child are at your discretion—if you have any questions about fluoride treatment contact us today, request an appointment for your child, or explore the other pediatric dental services we offer using the links below.