Our last blog discussed how we place dental sealants to safeguard the rear teeth from cavities. But we also have another treatment we can provide every six months to keep cavities at bay. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about the benefits of fluoride treatment.
The Weakening of Tooth Enamel
On the outside of every tooth is a very thin layer of tooth enamel. This layer coats the teeth and protects the sensitive inner layers of dentin, and the pulp, from exposure to harmful oral bacteria so you and your family avoid the onset of cavities and infections. But lack of proper brushing and flossing, combined with a diet high in sugar and starch, could lead to plaque buildup that coats the teeth and erode the outer enamel, exposing the dentin to bacteria and allowing cavities to form. Keeping the outer layer strong is essential for avoiding the onset of a cavity or other issue. One way to keep the enamel strong is with a topical gel applied each checkup visit.
Topical Fluoride Gel
The process of applying this treatment only takes a few minutes to complete. We will do so during their checkup and cleaning visit. To begin, we will use a swab to apply fluoride in a gel form to the teeth. We could also use a brush or tray. Your child then needs to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. The material then replenishes the lost calcium and phosphates in the outer enamel, making the teeth strong again and able to withstand the onset of enamel erosion and tooth decay. This is safe for appropriate for kids of all ages. For additional protection, we could also apply dental sealants to the back teeth, a thin plastic coating that keeps particles from becoming stuck where kids have difficulty reaching when they brush and floss. This layer can then stay in place for years to come, often as long as ten years in some cases.
Toothpaste and Tap Water
You can also find fluoride in toothpaste too! Be sure kids three and younger use only a rice sized amount, while kids older than three can use a pea sized amount. This is also found in tap water too, so drinking water helps cleanse the mouth, hydrates your little one, and also provides prevention against tooth decay. If you have any questions about keeping teeth strong and cavity-free, then contact our team today to learn more.
Make an Appointment With Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist Today!
We would like to help keep your child’s teeth free of tooth decay. To learn more about our approach to protecting little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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