Benefits of Fluoride Treatments for Kids

Encino DentistHave you had a fluoride treatment at our Encino dentist office?  It is easier and more important than you may think.  We have found that many of our patients are unaware of what fluoride is and how it can help them.  While the name shows up on the toothpaste bottle, the ads typically don’t explain the true benefits.  With that in mind, here is what you need to know and why we recommend fluoride in the first place.

How fluoride can help you.

Everyone is at risk for getting cavities.  In fact, the Center for Disease Control stated that tooth decay is the most frequently occurring infectious disease among children.  It leads to uncomfortable toothaches and missed days from school.  Research has shown that using fluoride can reduce the risk of cavities by thirty percent.  Given how prevalent they are, this can be significant.

Where you can find it.

Fluorine is actually all around you including in the dirt you walk on and the air that you breathe.  You don’t get enough of it from these sources though, which is why it is being placed into public water.  In fact, over 10,000 local communities across the United States now put fluoride into their water, and this is an extremely effective way to receive it.

Secondly, you can schedule a fluoride treatment with our Encino dentist office or simply ask for fluoride when having your teeth cleaned.  Both of these methods are the best way to receive fluoride and result in a 30 percent decrease in the risk of getting a cavity.  You can also brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that can help to strengthen you and your children’s teeth in between dental cleanings.  Many of our patients report that their teeth feel less sensitive after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and there are studies documenting how it can help your teeth to fight tooth decay.

Why is fluoride important?

Over time, your teeth will go through the process of demineralization.  This is entirely natural and happens as a result of old age, what you eat, a lack of oral hygiene and a lack of dental care.  When your teeth demineralize, the enamel becomes softer, and your tooth becomes susceptible to tooth decay.  In order to strengthen your teeth, you have to remineralize them so that they can either remain or become strong again.  For this, we recommend eating a healthy diet that contains dairy products, lean protein, green leafy veggies, and nuts.  In our office, we can also apply fluoride directly to your teeth in order to remineralize and strengthen them.  The concept and application process is fairly simple, but the impact is significant.  Fluoride can help to stop tooth decay in its tracks and even reduce some of the damage it was causing.  For this reason, we recommend that children and teens have a fluoride treatment at least twice a year and that all of our patients brush with a fluoride toothpaste.  To learn more, call our Encino dentist office and schedule an appointment.