How Fluoride Treatments Protect Your Child’s Teeth
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.
When Fluoride Treatments Are Especially Important
Some conditions can raise the risk of tooth decay, making fluoride treatments especially beneficial. These include:
- High sugar consumption
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Dry mouth conditions
- History of cavities or gum disease
You can strengthen and protect your teeth by managing these risks with the help of fluoride treatments.
Signs That Indicate a Need for Fluoride Treatment
Signs that you might benefit from fluoride dental care include:
- Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold
- Visible signs of enamel erosion
- Frequent cavities or tooth decay
Services Included in Fluoride Treatment
At Forest Hills Family Dentistry, we provide a variety of fluoride treatment options customized to meet each patient’s needs:
- Fluoride Varnish: A fast application for younger patients that hardens upon contact with saliva.
- Fluoride Gel or Foam: Perfect for older children and adults, applied with a tray for thorough coverage.
- Customized Fluoride Plans: Tailored to your oral health needs, providing targeted protection where it's most needed.