Does my child need a fluoride treatment?
Yes, it usually is, because many kids still aren’t getting enough fluoride, which puts them at risk for tooth decay that can start at a young age. A professional treatment contains a more concentrated dose of fluoride than your little one’s toothpaste, which helps to maximize the benefits. When Should Kids Get a Fluoride Treatment?
How often should I get a fluoride treatment?
Depending on your oral health, your dentist might recommend fluoride treatments every 6–12 months. If you're at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, your dentist might also recommend other preventive measures, such as over-the-counter or prescription fluoride mouth rinses or gels, or an antibacterial mouth rinse.
Are fluoride treatments for adults and teeth still effective?
Though fluoride is most crucial while the teeth are still developing, fluoride treatments for adults and teens will still be effective. That’s why many people opt to continue them throughout their lives.
When should my child be using fluoride toothpaste?
Children between the ages of 3 to 6 are recommended fluoride toothpaste the size of a pea which again must be supervised to ensure the child does not follow the toothpaste. Fluoride functions by restoring materials to the surface of the tooth where bacteria may have eroded the enamel.
How often is fluoride treatment recommended for kids?
Once your child has a tooth, your doctor may recommend that your child receive fluoride varnish treatments in the pediatrician's office to help prevent tooth decay. This can be done 2 to 4 times per year. The number of treatments depends on how likely it is that your child may get a cavity.
How often should you get a fluoride treatment?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist's office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. If you're at high risk for cavities, your dentist may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel to use regularly at home.
Should kids get fluoride twice a year?
You will then have to wait a bit to eat or drink again, about 30 minutes. This treatment can help reduce cavities but up to 30 percent! Fluoride treatment is best if applied 2-4 times per year.
How long do fluoride treatments last?
Professional fluoride treatments are safe. Research has shown that professional fluoride treatments are safe and effective at intervals as close as every 3 months.
Are dental fluoride treatments worth it?
Not only can fluoride strengthen teeth to prevent future decay, it can also help to arrest early decay, thus preventing the need to fill a tooth. Adults can benefit from fluoride because as we age, our teeth weaken as well making them more susceptible to decay.
Do kids need fluoride supplement?
In general, kids under the age of 6 months do not need fluoride supplements. After that, your doctor or dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements if: You live in an area that does not have fluoride in the water. Your child drinks only bottled water.
How much fluoride is too much?
Fluoride levels of 2.5 mg/L or higher may increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis (a condition that causes bones to break easily and causes calcium to build up in ligaments and tendons).
Why do dentists put fluoride on teeth?
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.