Fluoride Treatment – Duncanville, TX
Keeping Teeth Cavity-Free
Starting good oral habits early on is key if you want to keep your child’s teeth free of decay and cavities. Unfortunately, if bad bacteria and plaque begin to grow and spread, it can lead to dental caries and weakened teeth over time. Fortunately, Dr. Donna Barefield, who is a pediatric dentist in Duncanville, and her team have a solution that can reduce the risk of decay and strengthen tooth enamel. With fluoride treatments, we can quickly and easily safeguard your child’s smile between appointments. Contact us today to learn more about this natural mineral and how it can benefit your child’s smile.
How Does Fluoride Work?
As a natural substance found in many toothpaste brands and city tap water, fluoride is one of the most beneficial solutions your child’s dentist can use to better protect their smile. When used appropriately, it can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent bad bacteria and harmful acids from penetrating the outer layer of the tooth and causing cavities to form. Because children often do not have the healthiest diets or are capable of practicing good oral hygiene on their own, it is easy for plaque and tartar to wreak havoc on their teeth. With the help of fluoride, our team can minimize the potential risk of bacteria from sugars and starches burrowing into your child’s teeth and causing decay.
What Can My Child Expect?
As a parent, you’ll be pleased to know that the process for apply fluoride to your child’s teeth is quick, easy, and completely painless. Also, it can be accomplished during a regular dental checkup and cleaning, so you won’t need to worry about scheduling a separate appointment for this type of preventive treatment.
Once their teeth are cleaned, we will apply a fluoridated gel to the front surface of each tooth, making sure to wipe away any excess that may be left behind. To ensure that the fluoride has time to fully penetrate and create a protective barrier, it is best if your little one avoids eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes after their appointment.
Ways to Encourage a Cavity-Free Smile at Home
While fluoride treatments certainly help to protect your child’s teeth between appointments, there are many things you can do to add another layer of protection to their smile, some of which include:
- Giving your child fluoridated water to drink as opposed to sports drinks or juice
- Making sure your child is using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when cleaning their teeth twice a day for two minutes
- Having your little one floss their teeth at least once a day
- Limiting the amount of sugar and starch they consume each day
- Keeping their six-month dental checkups and cleanings with their pediatric dentist in Duncanville
- Discovering if there are other preventive treatments (i.e., dental sealants) you can move forward with to better protect your child’s smile