Topical fluoride treatments help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free between visits by strengthening the enamel. Depending on your child’s age, the fluoride may be brushed onto your child’s teeth or put into a foam tray and allowed to sit on their teeth. For younger children, a fluoride varnish is brushed onto the teeth. Fluoride varnish hardens when it comes in contact with saliva, forming a hard film that is brushed off later that evening.
Older children usually have a tray loaded with foam fluoride placed in their mouths for a specific amount of time along with a suction straw to remove any foam overflow and saliva. When the time is up, your child is told not to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to work.
Our doctors and their hygiene team are happy to answer all your questions about fluoride treatments and treatment options.
Fluoride for Kids FAQs
Yes, fluoride is safe for babies and toddlers when used in the correct amounts. It helps strengthen developing teeth and prevent cavities. For infants under three, only a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, should be used. As children get older, you can increase the amount to a pea-sized portion. Your family dentist in San Antonio can guide you on the right fluoride use for your child’s age and risk factors.
Yes, fluoride treatments are safe for toddlers when provided by a dentist. These treatments use a safe, controlled amount of fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. The fluoride is usually applied as a gel, foam, or varnish, and the process is quick and painless. Because toddlers are more prone to tooth decay, fluoride treatments can be an important part of keeping their teeth healthy. Your family dentist will recommend the right timing and frequency based on your child’s needs.
Fluorosis happens when children get too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing under the gums, usually before age 8. This extra fluoride can change the way enamel forms, leading to faint white streaks or spots on the teeth. In most cases, fluorosis is mild and does not harm the health of the teeth, but it can change the way they look. The most common causes include swallowing too much toothpaste, drinking water with high levels of fluoride, or taking fluoride supplements when they are not needed. Parents can help prevent fluorosis by supervising brushing, making sure only the right amount of toothpaste is used, and checking with a family dentist in San Antonio if fluoride supplements are necessary.
Fluoride toothpaste is the best option for protecting kids’ teeth because fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Many “cavity protection” toothpastes already include fluoride, but the difference is often in the flavor and packaging designed to make brushing easier for children. Parents should always check the label to confirm the toothpaste contains fluoride and use only a pea-sized amount for children over age 3, or the size of a grain of rice for younger kids.
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- Northern Hills
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