According to the American Dental Association, the slogan for the 2020 National Children’s Dental Health Month is “Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!”
Healthy gums and teeth are vital to your child’s overall health. Your child’s dentist can talk to you about good dental habits – even before your child’s first tooth appears.
Once your child’s teeth start coming in, their doctor may recommend that your child receive fluoride varnish treatments a few times a year to help prevent tooth decay. The number of treatments generally depends on how likely it is that your child may get a cavity.
What is fluoride varnish?
According to healthychildren.org, 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, which is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. While they can’t completely prevent cavities, they work well when children regularly and correctly brush their teeth, floss daily, visit the dentist, and are eating a healthy diet.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Fluoride varnish is safe and widely used by dentists and doctors all over the world as a tool to help prevent tooth decay in children. They use a small amount, which ensures that barely any fluoride is swallowed. It’s applied and hardens in a short amount of time. It is then brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that all infants get an oral health risk assessment by 6 months. It is also important to note that some infants are at high risk of developing dental cavities earlier than others, so it is important that parents establish their dental home care as soon as possible – at least by 12 months of age.
If you are interested in getting started on reducing the risk of cavities for your children, a fluoride treatment at Foothill Dental Care can make a big difference. To find out more about our treatment and to schedule a consultation at our Livermore dental office, give us a call at (925) 961-5484 today!