Dentist in Richmond Explains Fluoride for Children

According to the American Dental Association, fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. Since children are more prone to cavities than adults, the American Dental Association encourages the use of fluoride to help reduce the occurrence of cavities in children. Research proves that fluoride not only helps prevent cavities, but it can also help repair the early stages of tooth decay. The safe and effective nutrient is one of the most important aspects to helping young children maintain oral health. At Westhampton Dentistry, we want to see your children have healthy smiles for a lifetime, which is why we recommend you use fluoride and visit your dentist in Richmond regularly.

Fluoride for Cavities

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water sources that’s proven effective for preventing and reversing the early stages of tooth decay. There are a number of ways children can use fluoride to help combat cavities before they even start. Fluoride naturally makes the teeth strong and healthy, making them more resistant to the impact of the bacteria found in plaque. As plaque accumulates on the teeth, it forms an acid which eats the enamel of the teeth.

Fluoride helps to neutralize the acid, making it less harmful to the enamel. As a result, the damage from the acid can be prevented, and in some cases, even reversed. Typically, fluoride for children is used in one of two ways: topically or systemically.

How to Use Fluoride

Topical fluoride is used to strengthen teeth that are already in the mouth by making them resistant to decay. Now, fluoride is commonly found in most toothpastes and mouth rinses. Not to mention, your Richmond dentist uses professionally applied fluoride therapies to combat tooth decay in children.

Systemic fluorides are ingested into the body, allowing it to become a part of the tooth’s natural structure. However, systemic fluorides also give the same benefits as topically applied fluoride because it becomes present in saliva, which allows it to bathe the teeth. Most often, systemic fluoride is ingested from drinking water and through the use of fluoride supplements.

Benefits of Fluoride

In order for fluoride to be beneficial for the teeth to fight tooth decay, there needs to be a healthy balance of both topical and systemic fluoride. While the fluoride used in toothpastes and fluoride found in water are often enough for children, as well as the fluoride therapies used at regular dentist visits, some children may require additional fluoride for maximum protection against tooth decay.

Your dentist in Richmond will help determine the correct amount of fluoride for your child to use. At Westhampton Dentistry, we work hard to keep your child’s smile looking great. We use fluoride therapies in-office to help strengthen the teeth from tooth decay. In addition, we also offer the education and advice you need to ensure your home oral hygiene habits include the proper use of fluoride.

As a family dentist, we’re here for your family to help promote healthy, strong smiles for a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of fluoride for children.