All About Children and Fluoride

Fluoride is an ingredient that most people know is found in the toothpaste that they use. It is a natural mineral that supports proper tooth development and helps prevent cavities and other issues that may lead to tooth decay. Fluoride also helps inhibit bacterial growth. 

Children especially require an adequate amount of fluoride for their tooth enamel to be protected from acid attacks. Fluoride helps strengthen their teeth and repair the damage caused by small cavities that may already exist. 

At Aurora Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Barnes specializes in pediatric dental care, including fluoride treatment that can keep fluoride deficiency and cavities at bay and promotes better dental hygiene. Read on to learn all about it. 

How Much Fluoride Is Adequate for Children?

Children’s teeth require adequate care and enough fluoride to keep their teeth protected against the decay that can be caused by foods and drinks with high sugar content. Fluoride is found in tap water, toothpaste, instant powders, and supplements. 

Children should use pea-sized amounts of toothpaste while brushing twice a day, everyday. After they use fluoride toothpaste, children should avoid ingesting it and properly rinse and spit it out. 

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments are recommended for children with fluoride deficiency or children at risk of developing cavities and other forms of tooth decay. 

Topical fluoride application is done under the supervision of a pediatric dentist like Dr. Barnes at Aurora Children’s Dentistry. The fluoride is applied to the child's teeth after cleaning and is allowed to rest on for a few minutes for maximum results. 

Overexposure to Fluoride

While there are mouthwashes, gels, and toothpastes that contain fluoride available on the market, it is necessary to understand each child's requirement and make sure excess fluoride is not used. 

Children should not be overexposed to fluoride as it can cause enamel fluorosis, namely white spots on the teeth. Hence, keeping a check on the child's fluoride intake is essential for avoiding excess.

At Aurora Children’s Dentistry, our expert pediatric dentist, Dr. Barnes, can offer you all the advice you need to keep your children's dental health in check and provides a safe and child-friendly environment for fluoride treatment. To schedule an appointment, call us at (907) 336-1234, request an appointment online, or visit us at 3340 Providence Dr Suite #A552, Anchorage, AK 99508.