Developing good dental hygiene habits as a child will prevent painful, degenerative oral diseases. But sometimes brushing and flossing just isn’t enough. Your child also needs a steady supply of fluoride and other minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums throughout their development. Most pediatric dentists recommend regular fluoride treatments to give your child a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

What Every Parent Should Know About Fluoride Treatments

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a common mineral found in almost every water source, including tap water, rivers, streams, and oceans. When children consume fluoride or get treatments at their pediatric dentist’s office, the mineral is absorbed into the teeth, hardening enamel and making it more resistant to harmful acids caused by bacteria.

How Fluoride Promotes Healthy Teeth

Tooth enamel, the hard outer surface that protects against decay, is made of a dense layer of thickly packed crystals. Throughout the day, minerals in the enamel are lost and replaced as friction and acid break down the surface. Fluoride replenishes the calcium and phosphorous in the enamel, making a child’s teeth more resistant to decay and preventing cavities before they begin.

The Importance of Regular Fluoride Treatments

Children younger than 16 can absorb fluoride from food and water, which makes the mineral a permanent part of their teeth. However, for the best results, children need fluoride from both internal and external sources. A fluoride treatment essentially involves applying minerals directly to the surface of the tooth, replacing important substances worn away between cleanings. Fluoride treatments from a young age can make your children’s teeth more resistant to decay and prevent serious diseases later in life.

As one of Covington, KY’s most experienced pediatric dentists, North Ft. Mitchell Dentistry, John M. Schulte DMD has kept smiles healthy and bright for over 40 years. Whether your child has a cavity or just needs routine fluoride treatments, their team will put them on the road to lifelong dental health. Visit their website for more on their pediatric dentistry services, get more dental tips on Facebook, or call (859) 331-0763 to make your first appointment today.