91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Fluoride is one of the most important tools in maintaining your child’s oral health. It helps to prevent cavities, strengthen tooth enamel, and keep your child’s smile healthy for years to come. At 91³Ô¹ÏÍø in Chicago, we believe in the power of fluoride to protect teeth, and we offer fluoride treatments as part of our preventive dental care. In this blog, we’ll explore what fluoride is, why it’s beneficial for your child’s teeth, and how you can incorporate fluoride into your child’s oral hygiene routine.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect your child’s teeth from cavities. It works by strengthening the enamel—the hard outer layer of the teeth—making it more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride can be found in drinking water, certain foods, toothpaste, and professional treatments provided by your dentist.

While fluoride occurs naturally in many sources, it’s often added to public drinking water and used in dental products to ensure people of all ages receive its cavity-fighting benefits.

Why Fluoride is Important for Children’s Teeth

Fluoride plays a vital role in protecting your child’s teeth from decay, especially during the early years when teeth are still developing. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Strengthens Tooth Enamel

Fluoride helps to remineralize the enamel, which can be weakened by acids from food and bacteria. Stronger enamel makes teeth more resistant to cavities and decay.

2. Prevents Cavities

Fluoride helps prevent cavities by slowing down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encouraging the repair of early tooth decay. This means fewer fillings and less invasive treatments for your child.

3. Helps with Tooth Development

In younger children, fluoride strengthens the enamel of both baby teeth and developing permanent teeth, helping to ensure that your child’s smile is protected from the start.

How Fluoride Works to Protect Teeth

Fluoride works in two ways:

1. Topically: When applied to the surface of teeth (such as through toothpaste or professional fluoride treatments), fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
2. Systemically: When ingested (through drinking fluoridated water or fluoride supplements), fluoride is absorbed into the bloodstream and incorporated into the development of new teeth, providing internal protection against cavities.

Fluoride Treatments at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø

At 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, we offer professional fluoride treatments that can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities. These treatments are quick, safe, and effective, and are an important part of our preventive care services.

Here’s what you can expect from a fluoride treatment at our office:

1. Simple and Painless: The fluoride is applied to your child’s teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form, depending on their age and comfort level. It’s painless and only takes a few minutes.
2. Effective Protection: The fluoride treatment helps strengthen tooth enamel and provide a protective barrier against cavities.
3. No Recovery Time: There’s no downtime after a fluoride treatment. Your child can eat and drink as usual—just avoid hot foods and drinks for 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to set.

When Should Your Child Receive Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are generally recommended every six months, during routine dental checkups. However, the frequency may vary depending on your child’s oral health needs and the amount of fluoride they’re receiving at home.

Factors that may increase the need for fluoride treatments:

• Living in areas without fluoridated water
• A high risk of cavities due to diet, oral hygiene habits, or medical conditions
• Early childhood cavities or decay in primary (baby) teeth
• Orthodontic treatments (braces can make it harder for kids to clean their teeth properly)

Dr. Jessica Vargas will evaluate your child’s dental health and recommend the appropriate frequency of fluoride treatments during their checkups.

How to Ensure Your Child Gets Enough Fluoride at Home

In addition to professional fluoride treatments, you can help ensure your child’s teeth are getting the fluoride protection they need by following these tips:

1. Use Fluoride Toothpaste: For children over the age of 2, use a fluoride toothpaste with a pea-sized amount. Ensure your child spits it out after brushing and doesn’t swallow it.
2. Check Your Water Supply: If you live in an area where fluoride isn’t added to the drinking water, consider using a fluoride supplement or fluoridated bottled water for your child.
3. Limit Sugary Snacks: Since sugary foods contribute to tooth decay, limiting their intake can reduce the risk of cavities, making fluoride even more effective.
4. Regular Dental Visits: Routine dental visits allow us to monitor your child’s oral health, apply fluoride treatments, and help reinforce good oral hygiene practices.

Is Fluoride Safe for Children?

Yes, fluoride is completely safe when used properly. The amount of fluoride in public water systems and dental products is carefully regulated to ensure it’s effective and safe for children. To avoid any risk of overexposure, it’s important to supervise your child’s brushing routine and make sure they use only a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

If you have any concerns about your child’s fluoride intake, Dr. Vargas can discuss the right options for your child based on their age, health, and local water supply.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the most effective tools for preventing cavities and promoting long-term oral health in children. By including fluoride in your child’s daily oral hygiene routine and scheduling regular fluoride treatments at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, you’re taking an important step toward ensuring your child has a healthy, cavity-free smile.

Ready to give your child the protection they need? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how fluoride can benefit your child’s oral health!