What Does Fluoride Do for Your Child’s Teeth?

You’ve probably heard of fluoride before, but do you know what it does or why it’s important? There’s a reason this natural mineral is found in nearly all types of toothpastes and even public drinking water sources! Fluoride can be especially helpful for protecting growing smiles from cavities and other oral health issues. Read on to learn more about how fluoride helps your child’s teeth and whether they could benefit from a common service called a fluoride treatment.

How Does Fluoride Help Teeth?

While the protective shell of enamel on your teeth is the strongest material in the human body, it has one major downfall: it doesn’t grow back naturally. Unlike the rest of the body, enamel can’t repair itself once it’s been worn down by acids, tooth decay, or pressure. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing that can be done to strengthen teeth! When fluoride is introduced into the mouth via toothpaste, fluoridated water, or fluoride supplements, it ends up in the saliva. The saliva then coats the teeth, where the enamel absorbs the fluoride and uses it to rebuild its structure.

In fact, when fluoride binds with the materials already in the enamel, an even stronger substance is created that’s more resistant to decay! Fluoride is so effective at helping prevent tooth decay that community water fluoridation has been named by the CDC as one of the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20^th century.

Is Fluoride Safe for Children?

Since baby teeth don’t have as much enamel as permanent teeth, children are much more vulnerable to dental damage and decay. Fluoride has shown to be a very effective and safe tool for helping prevent cavities in children as they grow, especially as they learn to brush and floss on their own. However, just like with anything else, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Overexposure to fluoride in childhood can lead to fluorosis, which can cause white spots or other patches of discoloration on the permanent teeth.

Fluoridation levels in community water are carefully monitored and the CDC confirms that fluoridated toothpaste is safe for children as long as they use it in appropriate doses and spit it out after brushing. In the end, over 125 professional health organizations around the world formally recognize the safety and value of fluoride for smiles of all ages.

What Is a Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatments are safe for children older than six months. For an in-office treatment, your Auburn children’s dentist will quickly and painlessly apply a fluoride varnish to the surface of your child’s teeth. The fluoride will be absorbed into the enamel after 30 minutes or so and keep the teeth strong for many months to come. In some cases, your dentist may recommend at-home fluoride products, such as special mouthwash, gel, or toothpaste. This extra boost of fluoride can make all the difference in protecting your little one’s smile from cavities as they grow!

A lifetime of happy, healthy smiles starts early! Talk to your Auburn children’s dentist about your child’s fluoride intake to ensure their smile stays strong and sparkling for life.

About the Practice

New England Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is proud to help the growing smiles of Auburn and the surrounding communities achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Their team of three highly trained dental specialists offer a wide variety of services designed specifically to meet the unique needs of children’s oral development, including fluoride treatments. They’re dedicated to making every visit as pleasant, fun, and informative as possible for both kids and parents alike. To learn more about fluoride treatments, they can be contacted via their website or at (508) 832-6278.