Yes, fluoride in small doses (like that found in toothpaste or drinking water) is safe and effective at preventing cavities. Too much fluoride can be harmful if ingested, which is why we recommend children under three who cannot rinse and spit the toothpaste out independently use a non-fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride Treatments
Fighting Decay
When taking care of your child’s health, you want to be proactive so you can feel confident they’ll have fewer complications and more adventures. Tooth decay can cause discomfort, pain, and lower self-esteem, so fight back with fluoride treatments and protect their smile.
Overview
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral in bones and teeth and can also be found in nature. It is used in dentistry to strengthen the enamel (tooth surface) and prevent cavities. Fluoride can be administered in various forms, including toothpaste, rinse, and a topical varnish used at a pediatric dental visit.
Why Apply Fluoride?
Fluoride helps repair the demineralization that occurs when the natural acids in the mouth eat away at the minerals in the teeth. Without strong enamel and proper protection, this leaves your child’s teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Fluoride can remineralizer their teeth and keep their smile stronger for longer.
Overland Park
14465 Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, KS 66223
What to Expect
At home
For kids over three years old who can rinse and spit out excess toothpaste, we recommend using the paste flavor they like best and brushing with a powered toothbrush. We recommend a morning and bedtime routine that includes mouth rinse, floss, and 2 minutes of brushing.
At the dentist
Getting fluoride treatment in Kansas City is easy. At the end of your child’s appointment, we can apply a dental varnish to the teeth in one of several fun flavors. The longer the fluoride is allowed to remain on the teeth throughout the day, the better the results will be.
What to Expect
At the dentist
Getting fluoride treatment in Kansas City is easy. At the end of your child’s appointment, we can apply a dental varnish to the teeth in one of several fun flavors. The longer the fluoride is allowed to remain on the teeth throughout the day, the better the results will be.
At home
For kids over three years old who can rinse and spit out excess toothpaste, we recommend using the paste flavor they like best and brushing with a powered toothbrush. We recommend a morning and bedtime routine that includes mouth rinse, floss, and 2 minutes of brushing.
Benefits of Starting Point
Strengthen Enamel
Strengthen the surface of your child’s teeth, making them less susceptible to decay and damage.
Prevent Cavities
Block out bacteria and acids that can eat away at teeth and cause cavities.
Repair Decay
Repair and remineralize teeth, potentially reversing some early stages of decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental varnish or fluoride is not a requirement for dental cleanings. We recommend applying a varnish to better protect your teeth from decay.
Fluoride can help remineralize teeth, strengthen enamel and reverse early-stage tooth decay. If your child has a fully formed cavity, however, it will need to be treated separately, then fluoride can be used to prevent future cavities.
