It’s critical to help set your children up for oral health success as early as possible. This includes exposing them to sufficient fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that, in proper doses, helps strengthen teeth against tooth decay. So what is this miracle mineral, and how can you ensure that your child can benefit from it?
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they are still important! First, baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth, ensuring that your child has enough room for all of the underlying permanent teeth to grow in properly. Second, they of course help your child learn to eat and talk.
The Importance of Fluoride
Where does fluoride factor into all of this? It is a common ingredient in toothpaste and is also added to the water in many communities. This is because fluoride gives teeth an extra source of protection against cavities by fortifying the crystalline mineral structure of the enamel, the outer layer of teeth.
Fluoridated Toothpaste
Children younger than three years old only need to brush with a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste, while children older than three can use a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. As soon as your child is able, teach them to spit out their toothpaste after brushing, since swallowing toothpaste can upset their tummy.
Professional Fluoride Application
In-office fluoride treatments are beneficial for patients of all ages to combat demineralization, which are areas of weakened enamel. This varnish of fluoride only takes a few seconds to apply and it sets immediately. During your child’s checkup at Storybook Smiles, our team will determine if they would benefit from a fluoride treatment.
How to Prevent Cavities
Fluoride isn’t the only way to prevent childhood cavities. Help your child establish superb oral health habits that will encourage a healthy smile for life! These include brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, brushing their tongue, flossing at least once a day, visiting us for biannual checkups and cleanings, and consuming a balanced diet that is chock full of tooth-friendly vitamins and minerals.
More Questions? We Have Answers!
Whether your child is gearing up for their first dental visit or is a seasoned pro, we would be thrilled to welcome you into our Storybook Smiles family! Contact us today to schedule your child’s appointment.
