For the Kids:
Below is a great video from the American Dental Association for the kids to watch so they can learn about our dental sealants.
For the Parents:
We always hear the word “fluoride” getting thrown around in the dental setting, but it may be unclear exactly it is. Fluoride can strengthen the teeth and pediatric dentists recommend incorporating fluoride into children’s dental hygiene routine at a certain point.
Fast Facts About Fluoride
- Fluoridation of community water has reduced tooth decay by 50% – 60%
- Community fluoridation is available for 62% of the population
- Fluoridation of drinking water has been used for over 50 years
Your pediatric dentist in Katy can help you figure out exactly what role fluoride plays in your child’s dental routine, but below is a general overview of what it is and how it affects your family.
What is fluoride? What are the benefits of fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral derived from the element, fluorine. It can be found in water, food, and other natural resources, but many parts of the country fortify their water sources with extra fluoride because it has so many health benefits.
Years of research have shown that fluoride can strengthen the enamel by remineralizing it and protecting teeth against unwanted plaque and bacteria. The benefits of fluoride can be reaped by applying topically or ingesting it systemically. Dentists often recommend fluoride treatments or products to patients who with dental decay and cavities to revitalize and strengthen their teeth.
Where can I get fluoride?
Fluoride is available over the counter in products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Dentists can also provide professional fluoride treatments where they coat your teeth in a strong, fluoride gel. Many cities also fortify their water supply with fluoride. Check online to see what level of fluoridation is offered in your community.
What is enamel fluorosis?
Using fluoride in moderation can be really beneficial for your dental health, but consuming too much of it at a young age can have negative repercussions. Though it’s very uncommon, children can develop enamel fluorosis if they ingest too much of the mineral. This is a condition that causes bright white spots to form on the teeth from over-mineralization. In extreme cases, users may develop brown stains on their teeth. However, parents shouldn’t be too concerned about this because it’s unlikely that children will have access to that much fluoride. Water supplies are limited by the government to prevent enamel fluorosis.
Despite the possibility of enamel fluorosis, the American Dental Association promotes the use of fluoride because its benefits far outweigh any potential risks. At Kids Healthy Teeth, our Katy pediatric dentists help parents provide moderate amounts of fluoride to their children, so there is little risk. Feel free to call our practice in Katy if you have any questions.
Fluoride Treatment for Kids in Katy
Depending on your child’s dental health, the kids dentist in Katy will let you know when it’s a good time to introduce fluoride to your child’s dental hygiene routine and what amount to use. Here’s a general guideline for parents whose children are at high risk of dental caries, but there are also individual cases that may use more or less fluoride:
- Birth – 6 months: No fluoride
- 6 months – 3 years:
- 0.25 mg/day if there is less than 0.3 ppm fluoride in drinking water
- No fluoride for more than 0.3 ppm fluoride in drinking water
- 3 – 6 years:
- 0.50 mg/day if there is less than 0.3 ppm fluoride in drinking water
- 0.25 mg/day for fluoride levels between 0.3 ppm and 0.6 ppm in drinking water
- No fluoride for more than 0.6 ppm fluoride in drinking water
- 6 – 16 years:
- 1.0 mg/day if there is less than 0.3 ppm fluoride in drinking water
- 0.50 mg/day for fluoride levels between 0.3 ppm and 0.6 ppm in drinking water
- No fluoride for more than 0.6 ppm fluoride in drinking water
FAQ
Fluoride treatment in Katy is used to help teeth and their health. Fluoride is directly applied to the teeth or used in a wash, and it is used to help build strong teeth and also protect your teeth from cavities. Your child’s pediatric dentist can discuss further with you and your child if you have any questions.
Katy fluoride treatment is needed to help support the health of your teeth. Fluoride helps to support tooth enamel and fight bacteria. Tooth enamel is important, and once you lose it, you will not be able to get it back. This is why we have this treatment to help keep your teeth healthy.
There are plenty of benefits to fluoride treatment in Katy, and we want to make sure our patients get the best care. Most people do not know, but fluoride is a mineral, and it is used to prevent cavities and bacteria. It helps to protect teeth and helps to keep them healthy.
Fluoride treatment is very safe for kids. As we previously mentioned, fluoride is a mineral that is used to help teeth. This mineral is not harmful, and our pediatric dentists are trained to use and understand it. You can rest assured knowing that your children’s teeth are in good hands.
It is recommended that once your children start having their baby teeth, and eventually their permanent teeth erupt, they should receive fluoride treatments. Our Kids Healthy Teeth team wants to prevent cavities in your children’s teeth.
Yes, we offer fluoride-free dental care available for sensitive kids. These treatments use safe, non-fluoride alternatives to help protect and strengthen teeth, making them an excellent option for children with sensitivities or parents who prefer to avoid fluoride. These methods promote oral health without irritation or concern.