Fluoride Treatment

At Serenity Smiles Dental we appreciate the improvement to dental health that fluoride treatments can make and recommend children visit us from 6 months of age so we can manage their risk of dental decay.

Healthy gums and teeth are essential for a child’s general good health. It’s a good idea to remember this even before your child’s first tooth emerges, but once it does you should take your child to a family dentist as soon as possible. Treating cavities is possible thanks to today’s technology, but you can also prevent cavities by getting a fluoride treatment in Epping.

Fluoride Treatment

At Serenity Smiles Dental we appreciate the improvement to dental health that fluoride treatments can make and recommend children visit us from 6 months of age so we can manage their risk of dental decay.

Healthy gums and teeth are essential for a child’s general good health. It’s a good idea to remember this even before your child’s first tooth emerges, but once it does you should take your child to a family dentist as soon as possible. Treating cavities is possible thanks to today’s technology, but you can also prevent cavities by getting a fluoride treatment in Epping.

Regular Check Ups

It is important that children receive regular dental check ups so that you can stay ahead of any developing problems. If your dentist thinks your child is at risk of tooth decay he or she may recommend fluoride treatments be administered. The number of treatments will depend on how likely the dentist thinks your child is to develop decay. It is usually between two and four times per year.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used in dental treatments. Together with dental sealants it can prevent the start of tooth decay, prevent it from spreading and slow down its progress.

Fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth, making the teeth more resilient to decay. Fluoride effectively functions as a shield or protective cover over the teeth, safeguarding them against the acid attacks that bacteria in the mouth can cause.

Fluoride is not only effective in children – it can help manage tooth decay in adults as well. Because children may not always get a balanced diet or eat food rich in minerals, supplementing with fluoride is a good way to give them that added protection.

What Can Your Child Expect From A Fluoride Treatment?

Your dentist will apply a small amount of fluoride over the teeth. Generally it is administered to the back teeth and molars because these areas are harder for children to reach with their toothbrush. A small amount will be applied, and allowed to dry and harden. It can be brushed off the teeth after four hours.

The fluoride treatment is pasted onto the sides and top of each tooth using a brush. When it is wet it does feel sticky but it hardens quickly once it dries. It is not painful or uncomfortable however some children do not enjoy having their teeth worked on.

If your child is very young or very sensitive, it might be a good to allow him or her to sit on your lap while the fluoride is administered.

After the procedure it is important not to brush the teeth for at least 4 hours. Ask your child to rinse and spit after brushing.

There has been some attention given to fluoride risk, but the amount used in treatment is very small and children should not swallow it. Young children should also only use a very small amount of fluoridated toothpaste when brushing.

Are you looking for a family dentist in Epping to help your child with fluoride treatments? Contact our friendly team today to find a convenient appointment: (02) 9158 6753