Fluoride Treatment

Warm, Caring, and Child-Friendly - Dentists For Kids in Cary, NC

Fluoride Treatment for Kids in Cary

Fluoride is a natural mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and health of teeth, especially for children. However, Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry focuses on providing preventive dental care that helps safeguard your child’s oral health for years to come. Plus, one of the most effective treatments we offer to protect young teeth is fluoride treatment. Dr. Richard F. Brooks and Dr. Ritu Chandak help children in Cary maintain strong, healthy smiles through gentle and effective fluoride treatments and education on oral hygiene practices. Here’s everything you need to know about fluoride treatments for kids in Cary and how they contribute to your child’s oral health.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens tooth enamel, helping teeth resist cavities and decay. Fluoride treatments provide a strong dose to prevent or reverse early tooth decay.

At Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry, fluoride treatments for kids in Cary are quick and painless. During your child’s cleaning, Dr. Brooks or Dr. Chandak gently applies fluoride varnish or gel. The treatment takes only a few minutes and greatly supports your child’s dental health.

Why Fluoride Treatment is Important for Kids

Children are more prone to cavities due to poor habits, sugary snacks, and developing enamel. Fluoride treatments help reduce these risks by strengthening teeth against acid from bacteria and sugar. Additionally, fluoride hardens enamel, offering stronger protection against tooth decay.

Here are some key benefits of fluoride treatment for kids:

Strengthening Tooth Enamel: First, fluoride strengthens the enamel, making it harder for acids from food and bacteria to penetrate and cause decay.
Preventing Cavities: Next, fluoride has been proven to reduce the risk of cavities in both baby and permanent teeth by up to 50%, significantly lowering the chances of tooth decay.
Reversing Early Decay: Additionally, fluoride can help remineralize teeth that have started to lose minerals due to early-stage decay. This treatment can reverse the damage before it progresses into an entire cavity.
Building Long-Term Oral Health: Finally, starting fluoride treatments early in a child’s life helps lay a foundation for strong, healthy teeth in the future. Plus, consistent fluoride applications can reduce the need for extensive dental work as your child grows.

Who Should Get Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride is important for everyone but offers added benefits for children’s developing teeth. So, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak recommend starting fluoride treatments at an early age. The ADA says fluoride use should start when teeth appear, usually around six months old. Fluoride treatments should continue through childhood to protect teeth and prevent decay. Also, children with cavities or high-sugar diets may need fluoride treatments every six months. To ensure proper care, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak will assess your child’s fluoride needs. They will then create a custom treatment plan based on your child’s oral health.

What to Expect During Fluoride Treatment For Kids in Cary

At Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a simple, noninvasive fluoride treatment for children. During routine cleanings, we apply fluoride varnish or gel to the teeth using gentle techniques. At first, the fluoride feels sticky, which helps it stick firmly to the tooth surface. Then, it hardens quickly within minutes and provides strong, lasting protection against cavities and decay.

Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

Quick Application: The fluoride application takes just a few minutes and doesn’t cause any discomfort.
No Waiting: Your child can eat and drink after the fluoride varnish hardens, usually within one to two minutes. However, we recommend avoiding hard or crunchy foods for at least 30 minutes to ensure the fluoride stays on the teeth as long as possible.

Preventive Dental Care at Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry

Fluoride treatments are a vital part of our preventive approach to dental care at Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry in Cary. Along with regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and education on proper brushing and flossing techniques, fluoride helps ensure your child has the tools they need for a healthy smile. Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak are passionate about creating a welcoming, fun environment for kids, making each visit to our Cary dental office a positive experience.