Fluoride Rinses at Your Child’s Pediatric Dentistry Visit
Fluoride is the best friend of tooth enamel, and this treatment during a pediatric dentistry visit can keep teeth strong and healthy. At an appointment, a professional may recommend a fluoride rinse to further protect a child's primary teeth from tooth decay. It is a routine procedure that is safe and noninvasive for children of all ages.
An overview of fluoride rinses for children
It is helpful to know what a fluoride rinse is and what the benefits are to determine if it is a good idea to arrange a pediatric dentistry visit for a child to receive treatment. The following is an overview of fluoride rinses performed by pediatric dentists to protect primary teeth.
What is a fluoride rinse?
A fluoride rinse is an in-office fluoride treatment procedure. The goal of treatment is to apply a healthy amount of fluoride to each baby tooth that is vulnerable to tooth decay. The fluoride can strengthen the minerals of the tooth, which protects the enamel from acidic attacks caused by bacteria and food particles. The dentist can ensure the procedure is safe, effective and noninvasive for the child. The main benefit is the ability to prevent tooth decay, avoiding the need for more costly dental fillings to treat decay.
How often does a child need a fluoride rinse?
Children are generally more vulnerable to tooth decay than adults. Although baby teeth will fall out eventually regardless, it is essential to properly protect the primary teeth from coming out too early to ensure the proper growth of the permanent teeth. Consequently, it is recommended children receive fluoride treatment every six months to protect primary teeth. For children who are more vulnerable to decay or have early signs of enamel erosion, more frequent fluoride rinses may be recommended.
What should patients expect during the pediatric dentistry visit?
A fluoride rinse is generally pleasant and often takes place during a routine visit. Every pediatric dentist has their own process, but the procedure typically involves gently and thoroughly brushing a professional fluoride solution over all areas of each baby tooth. The pediatric dentist may recommend waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour before drinking, eating or brushing to allow the fluoride rinse to take effect and strengthen enamel. The treatment is noninvasive and safe and does not take long.
How should parents care for a child’s teeth at home?
After leaving the pediatric dentistry visit, children with the help of their parents have the responsibility of properly caring for their teeth through a thorough and consistent brushing routine, flossing regularly and using a fluoride mouthwash as directed. Parents can also protect their child’s teeth from cavities by avoiding too much sugar intake.
Talk to a pediatric dentistry office about fluoride
If your child is due for their next in-office fluoride treatment, then reach out to our pediatric dentistry team today to schedule a visit. We help children stay calm and have a good experience during their visit with us. Our team is friendly, and we offer a range of treatment options to ensure your child keeps good oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://camelbackpeds.wpengine.com or call Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (602) 595-3531 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix, AZ.
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