Fluoride Treatment: What Parents Must Realize?

Your child’s overall health depends on healthy teeth and gums. It is why the child’s pediatrician will discuss good oral hygiene habits with you even before the child’s first tooth emerges. In addition, after your child develops their first tooth, the pediatrician recommends they receive fluoride varnish treatments in their office to prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride varnish treatments are recommended two to four times every year, depending on the risks of tooth decay and cavities your child is exposed to. Pediatricians have the training to accomplish fluoride varnish applications because many children do not have access to or are taken to a pediatric dentist early in life. However, if you take your child to the pediatric dentist near you from an early age, your child can receive the fluoride varnish application at the pediatric dentist’s office. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children receive early dental care from a pediatric dentist no later than their first birthday.

Explaining Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride varnish is a dental therapy helping prevent tooth decay by slowing it down or preventing it from worsening. A mineral fluoride helps make fluoride varnish that encourages the strengthening of the tooth enamel the robust outer coating of the teeth. Parents must realize fluoride varnish treatments do not entirely prevent cavities. At best, the varnish treatments help prevent tooth decay when a child also brushes using the suggested amount of fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and deceiving dental care at suggested intervals. Children must also receive a healthy and balanced diet.

How Is Fluoride Varnish Applied on the Teeth?

The fluoride varnish application on the teeth proceeds by painting the fluoride on the tops and sides of each tooth with a tiny brush. Fluoride varnish is sticky but hardens instantly after coming into contact with saliva. Your child will feel the hardened varnish with their tongue but will find it challenging to lick off the varnish.

Fluoride varnish applications are painless and comfortable. However, you can expect your child to cry before or during the treatment. Fortunately, the application merely requires a few minutes and the crying by your child makes it easier for the dentist 90505 providing fluoride treatment in Torrance, CA, to complete the application faster because your child’s mouth remains slightly open.

Are Fluoride Treatments Safe for Children?

The safety aspect of fluoride varnish treatments has been undisputed as an essential oral health treatment for decades. Dentists and doctors are providing fluoride treatments throughout the world to children and adults as a preventive measure against tooth decay. The fluoride varnish used during the procedure is tiny to ensure no fluoride is swallowed. Dentists complete the application quickly, and the material hardens instantly. Brushing off the fluoride after four to 12 hours doesn’t pose challenges.

There are many brands of fluoride varnish available in the market, and some can make your child’s teeth appear yellow while others may make the teeth appear dull. However, the color of your child’s teeth reverts to regular after brushing off the fluoride varnish. You may receive a pleasant surprise when your child mentions they like the taste of fluoride varnish.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth after Fluoride Therapy?

After getting fluoride treatment near you for your child, rest assured your child can eat and drink immediately after the dentist completes the application. The dentist restricts eating and drinking for 30 minutes after the application. After that, you can give your child soft foods besides cold and lukewarm foods or liquids.

Do not brush your child’s teeth for at least four to six hours. The pediatric dentist may suggest you get your child to wait until the following day before brushing or flossing, which shouldn’t be a significant challenge for you. However, ensure that your child spits when rinsing if they know how to spit.

Getting fluoride varnish treatments for your child doesn’t mean you allow them to neglect dental hygiene practices. You must ensure your child receives regular care from a pediatric dentist trained to treat young children, get your child sufficient levels of fluoride and inculcate in them the habit of brushing and flossing without exceptions. Having a balanced diet is also essential to maintain appropriate dental health.

The AAPD recommends infants receive dental health risk assessments as early as six months. A pediatric dentist Torrance, CA best attends to infants at high risks of early tooth decay from their first birthday to establish a dental home for them. In addition, teaching children early dental hygiene habits helps them maintain their overall health in appropriate conditions and enjoy a beautiful smile for the rest of their lives.