Fluoride

Fluoride is perhaps the single most cost effective and easily administered agent for the prevention of tooth decay for children. It acts to inhibit the demineralization of tooth enamel and enhances the remineralization of the tooth surface. It can be delivered to the teeth either systemically (ingested) or topically. Since the early 1970s the incidence of dental caries has continued to decline, primarily due to the benefits of community water fluoridation and topical fluoride application. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; 2015) have declared community water fluoridation as one of the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

In today’s environment a multitude of fluoride products are available. Some children may require a systemic fluoride supplement due to an unusually high risk of decay, a lack of fluoride presence in the drinking water, or the disproportionate use of bottled drinking water. Other children may only require the application of a topical fluoride. This could include fluoridated toothpastes; mouth rinses; and professionally applied varnishes, gels, and foams. We believe a topical fluoride application is an essential element of every professional cleaning in order to optimize the decay prevention benefits of the tooth polishing procedure. A clean tooth surface will typically absorb the greatest amount of fluoride and allow for the replenishment of a fluoride enriched enamel surface.

After a thorough evaluation of your child’s particular needs, we will recommend the appropriate supplemental fluoride products required for his unique situation. Some products may require modifications of normal application or frequency. Other products may be inappropriate due to age or other concerns. Our goal is to create a functional and individualized plan for the prevention of dental disease for your child.