Fluoride Treatment for Kids
Dental cavities are not partial to the age of the individual. Whether it be a child or an adult, if the situation lends itself a cavity will form. In fact, dental cavities are the most common disease worldwide in all ages. Let’s look at what causes cavities, why children can be more susceptible to cavities and why fluoride treatments go along way in combating dental cavities.
What causes Dental Cavities?
Every minute of every day each of us has millions of bacteria in our mouth. This is necessary as they break down food and help the body recover necessary nutrients. Too many bacteria though leads to negative results. The health industry strongly suggests that we all, any and all ages, brush our teeth twice a day to stay ahead of the bacteria counts. When we don’t brush the bacteria forms a clear, sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the enamel of the teeth. If this plaque is not removed daily with good brushing habits the plaque will deliver acids that immediately attack the enamel. If allowed to persist the enamel will breakdown resulting in decay and a cavity.
Why do Children get more Cavities?
We all know how difficult it is to teach any youngster good habits. They have short attention spans and therefore don’t brush as they should. They also like sugar heavy treats that just accelerate the entire process. Put these two together and you end up with more cavities.
What is a Fluoride Treatment and how does it help Children?
The enamel of the tooth is composed of minerals. Every day the enamel can lose minerals. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in tap water and many foods. Not only does fluoride replenish lost minerals but it can actually add to and build up enamel making it stronger. When given a fluoride treatment under the age of six the fluoride is incorporated into the development of the permanent teeth making it even tougher for the acids to demineralize the new enamel.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that you begin assessing and evaluating a child’s oral health as early as six months. If they are at a higher risk of early dental cavities a dentist has a better chance of combating that at an earlier starting point. The fluoride treatment is totally pain-free. The fluoride is applied with a solution, a gel or a varnish. It is painted on the teeth and allowed to harden. Now the enamel has a chance to literally build on itself with the enhanced supply of minerals. It is a win-win for a child. They can be a child running through mud puddles, eating candy and brushing their teeth long enough when mom is looking. Not experiencing unnecessary cavities only improves the experience of dental visits, which is another win-win for all parties. Additional fluoride treatments let you methodically build good oral hygiene habits with your child, proactively and not reactively. You can introduce fluoride into the toothpaste, teach them how to floss, and realize all of these habits take time. The fluoride treatments will give you that time.
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