PREVENTIVE SERVICES

Flouride

Flouride

Your child brushes her teeth twice daily, flosses regularly, and visits the dentist every six months. But did you know that rinsing with fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – also helps keep her teeth healthy and strong?

Flouride

Fluoride effectively prevents cavities and tooth decay by coating teeth and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface.

While teeth are forming under the gums, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities. Fluoride comes in two varieties, systemic and topical: Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply.

Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent caries (cavities) on teeth present in the mouth. It is delivered through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications. Professional application of topical fluoride foam and varnishes is also valuable in cavity prevention.

Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist

Depending on your child’s oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, your child may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. A fluoride treatment in the dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Your doctor may also prescribe at-home fluoride products such as mouthwash, gels, or antibacterial rinses.

How to choose the proper fluoride treatment

When choosing an at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and approved by the ADA based on safety and effectiveness.