Cavities are highly common in young dental patients, usually due to a combination of high-sugar diets and lack of consistent oral hygiene practices. One of the most popular ways to help young patients combat cavities and tooth decay is fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that can help seal out decay and even strengthen your child’s bones. Below, we’ll explain how we can help your child enjoy a healthier smile with a simple fluoride treatment.
Why Is It Important To Take Care of Baby Teeth?
You might be wondering why it’s necessary to take such invested care in your child’s baby teeth. After all, they fall out eventually, right? Baby teeth actually play a very important role in your child’s development. First, they help your child properly chew and talk early on. They also act as placeholders for adult teeth to grow in properly, because they ensure healthy jaw development. When baby teeth fall out prematurely, your child runs the risk of overcrowding down the line, which can pose problems for their adult teeth.
How Fluoride Works
You can commonly find fluoride in toothpaste and tap water. This mineral helps ward off decay from the surface of the teeth, preventing the development of cavities and decay. During a fluoride treatment, your child’s dentist will apply a fluoride solution to your child’s teeth through a varnish or through a foam. It only takes minutes to apply fluoride to your child’s teeth, and your child only has to wait for thirty minutes before eating or drinking anything after their treatment. This simple procedure can ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Cavity Prevention
Fluoride is just one of the components of maintaining a healthy smile. It’s very important that your child brushes and flosses their teeth diligently twice a day and maintains a balanced diet in order to have strong, healthy, and cavity-free teeth. They should also drink plenty of water to help with saliva production and naturally wick away bacteria from the surface of their teeth.
Preventive Pediatric Dental in San Antonio, TX
Of course, twice yearly dental cleanings and examinations are also essential for your child to maintain a healthy smile. We always carefully track your child’s oral healthcare progress at Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry. Whether you’re preparing for your child’s very first dental visit or have visited our office before, contact us to schedule your child’s dental appointment today and learn more about how we make our treatments affordable for families of all backgrounds.
