Fluoride treatments are one of the best preventative strategies for avoiding cavities in kids.
The best way to protect kids from cavities and other dental problems is to provide them with comprehensive dental care. That means routine brushing and flossing at home, as well as regular dental check-ups and cleanings in the dentist’s office.
One thing your dentist will provide at your child’s check-up is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments are essential to children’s dental wellbeing!
Kids in Ashburn don’t have to be anxious about going to the dentist when they are treated by the compassionate and kind staff at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry.
What is Fluoride Treatment for Kids?
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel on our teeth.
The biggest culprits of enamel damage are:
- Sugary drinks and snacks, including juice
- Not brushing often enough
- Not brushing long enough
- Genetic issues
Fluoride protects the enamel on our teeth from these threats. When mouth bacteria gets “food” from these sugary sources, the resulting acid harms our dental enamel.
The purpose of a fluoride application is to protect and strengthen the enamel. With 2–4 applications of fluoride per year, kids have more protection against cavities. Fewer cavities means fewer fillings, and that’s something everyone can be happy about!
Is Fluoride Treatment for Kids Necessary?
Fluoride is one of the best tools we have to protect kids from cavities and tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments aren’t the only place that children encounter fluoride, though. Most cities, including Ashburn, add supplemental fluoride to the water supply. There is already fluoride found naturally in water in this area, but adding more helps to provide an additional layer of protection.
If you are on city water in Ashburn, your kids are using fluoridated water every time they drink tap water or brush their teeth. However, if you are on well water, it is even more important for you to get supplemental fluoride.
Children may also encounter fluoride through their toothpaste and at the pediatrician’s office.
Is Fluoride Safe for Children?
Great news: Giving kids fluoride treatment is safe and effective.
At Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we do everything we can to help our young patients achieve excellent dental health. We also believe in offering a holistic approach to dental health, and we would never promote anything that presents unnecessary risks to the health of our patients!
If you are concerned about the potential for over-exposure to fluoride, please let us know so that we can discuss fluoride levels and safety standards. We want you to be confident that every part of your child’s dental care is safe and in their best interest!
What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit to Ashburn Children’s Dentistry
We are proud to have served the Ashburn area and beyond for nearly 20 years. We are honored to have received numerous awards related to our compassionate, comprehensive care.
Your child deserves to have an amazing smile that gives them confidence. In addition, you and your child deserve to be treated as unique individuals. Everyone who comes into our practice has a story to tell, and we believe in listening to your story and making sure your needs are met.
Fluoride Treatment at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry
There are multiple ways to apply fluoride. Your child’s age, developmental stage, and comfort level at the dentist’s office will determine what kind of kids fluoride treatment is best.
Flouride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is used for very young children, including infants who have gotten their first tooth. We will use a small brush to paint the fluoride varnish all over the teeth, including the top, back, and front of each tooth.
This is a painless procedure. Our expert staff have worked with countless children to alleviate the stress or anxiety they feel about new procedures. If your child is frightened, we will help them through the process so that they feel empowered, not anxious!
Children should avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after the fluoride varnish has been applied.
Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Older children who can swish liquid around in their mouths may be ready to move onto using a fluoride mouth rinse.
They will be given a small cup of mouthwash, which they will put in their mouths but not swallow. After swishing the liquid for 30–60 seconds, they will spit it out.
This method is only appropriate for children who are capable of swishing without swallowing!
Fluoride Foam or Gel Application
One last method for applying fluoride in the dentist’s office is the use of fluoride foam or gel.
We will squirt a fluoride solution into a mouth tray and place the dental tray in the child’s mouth. This is a gentle method that requires the patient to be still and avoid swallowing for the duration of the treatment, which can last several minutes.
Fluoride foams and gels are only used for older children.
Like mouth rinses and varnish, children should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after this process.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Children in Ashburn, Virginia
Dr. Lynda, Dr. Krystle, and the staff at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry are proud to offer a safe and inviting environment for children of all ages.
We have supported thousands of patients through thoughtful, child-focused care, and we are proud that our patients have improved their dental health, mental health, school performance, athletic performance, and more!
Even if you or your child have dental anxiety, we are prepared to help alleviate the stress you may associate with going to the dentist.
Fluoride is such an important part of your child’s dental health and well-being. Contact our offices to schedule an appointment.