Fluoride: What You Should Know So You Can Make an Informed Decision

Preventing cavities is always better than needing a filling. One of the best ways to keep your child from developing cavities is to ensure they get plenty of fluoride.

According to Staci Brunell, DMD, and Priyanka Patel, DMD, the pediatric dentists practicing at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry in Yorktown Heights, New York, children may need additional fluoride beyond what they get in their toothpaste and water.  Discover the importance of fluoride in oral hygiene and the benefits of fluoride treatment.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally. Regular contact with fluoride helps keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong while reducing their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, rinses, and tap water. The amount of fluoride in your local water supply depends on where you live and whether the water is supplemented with fluoride. Our team can help you determine if your community's tap water has added fluoride. 

Why is fluoride important for keeping teeth healthy?

Fluoride plays an important role in keeping the enamel of your child’s teeth strong. A strong enamel makes your teeth more resistant to harmful bacteria, which helps prevent them from developing cavities. Fluoride also diminishes the amount of acid that collects on teeth.

People of all ages need to get enough fluoride, but it’s especially important that you ensure your child gets enough. Children tend to eat higher-sugar diets and are less likely than adults to brush their teeth thoroughly, making them more susceptible to cavities.

Our dentists recommend brushing your infant’s teeth with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as they start to get teeth, increasing it to a pea-sized amount when they’re three.

Are there any downsides to fluoride?

While uncommon, your child can get too much fluoride in their diet. The most common side effect of this is fluorosis, which causes white spots or streaks to form on your child’s teeth.

Fluorosis is a minor cosmetic problem caused by a lack of fluoride. It is easier to treat than cavities. Our team monitors your child’s fluoride intake at their regular dental cleanings and makes recommendations based on their unique situation. 

What are fluoride treatments?

We recommend that many children get fluoride treatments as part of a preventive dentistry routine to prevent cavities and keep their teeth strong. 

Your child can conveniently get a fluoride treatment during their routine dental cleaning and exam. Our dentists administer the treatment after your child’s mouth has been cleaned and examined.

Fluoride treatment can come in the form of a rinse, foam, gel, or varnish. If your child gets a foam or gel fluoride treatment, our hygienists place the foam or gel in a dental tray that they put over your child's teeth. This only takes a few minutes.

If your child gets a varnish treatment, our hygienists paint the fluoride thoroughly over their teeth. Your child won’t be able to eat or drink for a brief period after fluoride treatment, but can otherwise immediately return to your routine.

Incorporate fluoride and fluoride treatment into your child's dental care routine to keep their teeth healthy and strong. Contact us today to discuss your child’s fluoride needs or schedule a fluoride treatment.