What Are Fluorides?
Fluoride refers to naturally occurring mineral salts of element fluorine. Fluoride is a mineral found in nature and is also a part of your bones and teeth. Fluorides are commonly used in dentistry to strengthen enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. Cavities or tooth decay can occur when plaque builds up on the teeth and produces acidic substances which dissolve the hard surface of the teeth. Now, Fluorides can help reverse this process by remineralization and in turn can protect the teeth from an acidic assault, safeguarding the enamel.
Dental caries still remains one of the most common diseases of childhood. Fluorides can help children have a childhood free of tooth decay or cavities. Fluoride therapies are supported by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as many other agencies.
Who Are We?
Treating cavities is important, but preventing cavities is best when it comes to children. We, at Coquitlam Dental Group, believe in the age-old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Dental decay and subsequent dental treatment can be scary for children, so as parents it is important to realize the importance of prevention of any dental decay and subsequently save them from all the trouble in the future. We are focused on providing preventive therapies to children to safeguard their teeth and keep them cavity-free. This not only prevents tooth decay but also instills a positive attitude in children towards their oral care.
Why Choose Our Fluoride Therapy?
We believe that every child deserves a disease-free and healthy mouth. At Coquitlam Dental Group, we have a skilled and dedicated team who are trained and experienced to treat children. With Dr. Stuart Katz and his invaluable experience at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, you can rest assured that your child will receive the best treatment possible. It is noteworthy that Dr. Shahram Kamaei has twenty years of experience with sedation, and regularly treats children, who are anxious under sedation, ensuring a smooth and anxiety-free experience for the child.
Who Should Get Fluoride Therapy?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to have some form of fluoride every day. In most areas, water is fluoridated to provide a constant source of fluoride for all children, but some areas lack fluoridated water. Also, fluoridated water might not be enough to keep the tooth decay at bay, in which case your child might need additional fluoride therapy for extra protection. It has been recommended that a child should have his/her first visit to the dentist by the first birthday that is 1 year of age.
What We Do
Assessment
It is imperative to visit the dentist for your child’s first dental age by the age of 1 year. Your dentist can evaluate your child and assess if your child is susceptible to tooth decay. They can also evaluate if your child is getting an adequate amount of fluoride and if additional fluoride is needed. If your child’s main source of tap water is not fluoridated, your child’s healthcare provider or dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements, based on the child’s age and amount of fluoride in the drinking water. Other than that a risk assessment can be done to predict if the child may develop dental caries in the future.
Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride is one of the best and safest ways we can prevent cavities for children and adults alike. A tooth that has already erupted, can be strengthened by topical (local) application of fluoride. Fluoridated varnishes, gels, or foams may be put on the teeth by a dentist. This can be done 2 to 4 times per year, depending on how likely it is that your child may get a cavity. It is a sticky varnish-like substance which the dentist applies on all surfaces of all teeth so that it bonds with the enamel of teeth and forms a protective layer against acidic dissolution. It is a non-invasive procedure hence recommended even for infants.
Infant Oral Care
You will also be advised by your dentist the proper way of brushing your child’s teeth and the amount of toothpaste needed. When your child’s first tooth appears, you need to start brushing his or her teeth using a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoridated varnishes, gels, or foams should be put on the teeth only by a dentist, beginning when the first tooth appears. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your child’s oral health.
Fluoride Therapy Benefits
Prevention
First Dental Visit
Munch Away Worry-Free
Why Deal With Us
Coquitlam Dental Group strives to maintain excellence in providing quality dental care services and patient-centered care at all times. We make sure that all our professionals have the highest level of accreditation and pursue continuing education to deliver the latest and effective dental treatment to our patients. We cater and handle dental care for all ages such as cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, sedation dentistry, missing teeth, and more. Thanks to our skilled and dedicated team, we are able to offer various dental services all in one roof.
Final Words
It is important to remember that your child’s dental health depends not only on regular care and assessment by your dentist but also on proper brushing and flossing and eating right. It is important to make your child understand that oral health is as important as physical health. We strive to provide your child with the best treatment possible for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
You can book your appointment now at https://coquitlamdentalgroup.ca/. You can also reach us at Phone:(604) 931-3133, Email: info@coquitlamdentalgroup.ca, or you can find our office at 655 North Rd #101, Coquitlam, BC V3J 1P5, Canada.
Our children deserve the healthiest start to their lives, and a healthy smile is one of the best gifts we can give them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral found in nature which is commonly used in dentistry to strengthen enamel. Fluoride protects teeth by making your teeth stronger and more resistant to acid. It not only reduces the risk of cavities, but it can also even help reverse early signs of decay. It’s also added in small amounts to public water supplies in many countries. This process is called water fluoridation.
Is fluoride varnish safe?
Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens.
What is fluoride varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel. Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments can best help prevent decay when a child is also brushing using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet.
Are there any potential side-effects of fluorides?
Excess of anything is bad. While fluoride is a naturally occurring compound, it can still cause side effects when consumed in large doses. Dental fluorosis happens when you consume too much fluoride while your teeth are still forming under your gums. This results in white spots on your teeth. Skeletal fluorosis is similar to dental fluorosis, but it involves bones instead of teeth. But for both of these to manifest a large amount of fluoride needs to be ingested for a long time.
What are the benefits of fluorides?
Fluoride is beneficial to teeth because it helps to rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel. It also helps to reverse early signs of tooth decay and prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
What is fluoride used for?
Fluoride is mainly used to improve dental health. You can sometimes find it in your local water supply and in many over-the-counter (OTC) products, including toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements. It is recommended as varnish especially for children for strengthening their teeth.
If my family uses toothpaste with fluoride, do we also need to drink fluoridated water?
Yes! Drinking water with fluoride bathes your teeth in small amounts of fluoride throughout the day and has been found to add to the benefits of brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Drinking water with fluoride helps prevent cavities before they start.
How do I care for my child's teeth after fluoride varnish is applied?
Your child can eat and drink right after the fluoride varnish is applied. But only give your child soft foods and cold or warm (not hot) foods or liquids. Do not brush or floss teeth for at least 4 to 6 hours. Your child’s doctor may tell you to wait until the next morning to brush or floss. Remind your child to spit when rinsing if he knows how to spit.
When should I start brushing my child’s teeth, and how much fluoride toothpaste should I use?
To keep your baby’s mouth as clean as possible, use a soft cloth to wipe his or her gums clean from the beginning. Once those first teeth start coming through the gums, begin brushing them with a soft, child-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice
When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
The AAP and the ADA recommend using a “smear” of toothpaste on children once the first tooth appears and until your child is 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount can be used.