Fluoride Treatment For Kids
Starting good habits at a young age is important to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. As early as your child’s first visit, their dentist will start talking to you about what activities are encompassed in good oral hygiene. Your dentist may even suggest starting fluoride treatments early on. Fluoride treatments are important to help prevent early tooth decay. For children, fluoride treatments include the application of fluoride varnish directly to their teeth. Below is more information about fluoride treatments for kids and why they may be a great idea for the children in your family.
What is a Fluoride Varnish Treatment?
At the sight of their first tooth your dentist may start recommending that your child receives fluoride varnish treatments. Fluoride varnish is a treatment used by dentist to help prevent and delay the development of tooth decay. The treatment uses fluoride, a natural mineral, and helps add mineral to the tooth’s enamel. The varnish treatment can be performed 2 to 4 times per year. How many treatments or times a year your child receives treatments really depends on your dentist and on how likely they predict it is that your child may get a cavity. It is important to remember that fluoride varnish treatments do not completely prevent tooth decay and cavities. It is important for your children to develop good habits of brushing daily using toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for a routine exam and. cleaning every 6 months.
How the treatment works:
- Your dentist will paint the fluoride varnish on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush
- A few minutes after it applies the varnish hardens
- Several hours after the varnish is applied your child’s teeth can be brushed and the varnish will come off
Are Fluoride Treatments Safe?
Fluoride varnish treatment is a non-invasive treatment used regularly for preventive care. Only a small amount of fluoride is used in the varnish treatment procedure. Because the varnish is applied directly to the teeth it is not ingested. Immediately after the varnish is applied it may make the teeth look a yellowish color or dull. It is important to know that your child’s teeth will return to normal after the varnish is brushed off.
Care for Teeth After Fluoride Varnish Treatment
Post- fluoride varnish treatment care is relatively easy. Your child’s dentist should give you any specific instructions they have at their appointment. In most cases, it is okay for your child to eat and drink immediately after the fluoride varnish treatment. But if you child does want to eat, remember that their teeth may be a bit sensitive. The best option is to give your child soft foods and foods and beverages that are not extremely cold or hot. Additionally, you should not try to brush or floss your child’s teeth for 4 to 6 hours. It varies from dentist to dentist, but your child's dentist may tell you to hold off on brushing until the next morning.
More information on Fluoride Treatments : Side Effects to Fluoride Treatment