Fluoride Treatment – Midwest City, OK
Protect Against Cavity-Causing Bacteria
Your child's primary teeth are influential in their overall wellness and development. Although they are only in place for a few short years before being replaced by their permanent teeth, it's important they stay healthy. Tooth decay is the biggest threat to your little one’s smile. According to research, nearly 46% of children aged 2-19 have experienced tooth decay. It is more prevalent than childhood asthma, despite being almost 100% preventable. Dr. Kendrick can protect your child's smile from cavities with fluoride treatment. Your child can benefit from nature's cavity fighter with fluoride treatment in Midwest City to keep their teeth strong and healthy.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride occurs naturally in soil, plants, and water. However, it is also added to public water sources and dental products because it remineralizes enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the softer underlying dentin and pulp. It is stronger than some metals, but it is exposed to cavity-causing bacteria daily. Over time, your child's enamel can experience erosion. It will not grow back once it is gone. However, fluoride is proven to strengthen enamel and may even reverse the early stages of decay.
How Fluoride Treatment Works
Fluoride treatment is quick and painless. It can be performed during your child's regular cleaning and checkup. After their teeth have been cleaned, fluoride varnish is painted onto their teeth. Your child will be instructed not to eat or drink for 20 minutes to allow the varnish to be absorbed by their enamel. It is a safe and effective solution to remineralize enamel to prevent cavities.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Children as young as 6 months old can benefit from fluoride treatment, but it's often recommended between 4 to 6 years of age. Your child's pediatric dentist will determine the best time to begin treating their teeth with fluoride.
Fluoride can prevent up to 33% of cavities in primary teeth when used regularly. When combined with dental sealants, fluoride treatment can reduce the risk of decay by up to 95%. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, fluoride treatment can significantly lower your little one’s risk of cavities. It's important to limit their consumption of sugars and starches to further protect their pearly whites from decay.
If you have any questions about fluoride treatment, or you're ready to add it to your child's preventive dental plan, contact our office. Request an appointment through our website or call our office at (405) 732-0431.