The Benefits of Fluoride and Sealants for Children
Discover the protective advantages of fluoride treatments and dental sealants for children. Learn how these measures, coupled with effective brushing routines, prevent tooth decay and promote lifelong oral health. This article explains the benefits of fluoride and sealants, as well as where to find the best comprehensive dentist in San Francisco.
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Tooth Decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting around 46% of children. Thankfully, there are safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective solutions for stopping tooth decay in its tracks and preventing cavities: regular fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can not only prevent childhood cavities, they can set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health and a bright, beautiful smile.
Continue reading to learn about good oral health in children, the benefits of fluoride and sealants, and where to find the best dentist for kids in the Bay Area.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride, a natural mineral found in various water sources and soils, plays a crucial role in dental health. It is routinely added to toothpaste, mouthwashes, and community water supplies to prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.
Fluoride helps to remineralize teeth and inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities. It is considered an important tool in maintaining good dental health and is recommended by the American Dental Association as an additive to public drinking water.
Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?
Parents often ask us, “Is fluoride safe for my child?” The answer is resoundingly yes. Several studies have proven that fluoride is safe for kids when used appropriately. Community water fluoridation reduces childhood cavities in about 25% of children, and topical fluoride treatments done in a dental office are proven to stop tooth decay in young children.
Fluoride is considered safe and beneficial for children's dental health when used correctly. However, parents should monitor their children when brushing with fluoride toothpaste to reduce the amount that may be swallowed.
In some rare cases, a condition known as fluorosis can result in white spots forming on the tooth surface. This is caused by overexposure to fluoride in early childhood. Although fluorosis is not harmful, it can be a cosmetic concern. The best way to avoid fluorosis is to speak with your child's dentist about your child’s fluoride exposure.
What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatments for Kids?
Fluoride treatments for kids offer several benefits, including:
Strengthening the surface of teeth by remineralizing the enamel and making teeth more resistant to decay
Preventing cavities by inhibiting the growth of bacteria
Promoting overall dental health and reducing the need for costly dental procedures in the future
Dental fluoride treatments are recommended every six months for most children and adults — however, this recommendation may vary slightly depending on specific needs.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. They act as a barrier, protecting the teeth from decay by sealing out food particles and bacteria.
Dental sealants are a non-invasive and effective way to protect the teeth and promote good oral health. They are commonly used to help prevent cavities, especially in children who have difficulty brushing and flossing in these hard-to-reach areas.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids?
Dental sealants offer several benefits for kids, including:
Cavity prevention with a protective barrier that prevents food particles and bacteria from accumulating in the crevices of the teeth
Quick, painless, and non-invasive application — making it well-suited for children
Long-lasting protection that offers cavity protection for years
Cost-effective prevention of cavities that can save you money on future dental procedures and treatments
More than a quarter of children between the ages of two and five have significant tooth decay, which rises to half of all children between 12 and 15. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to help your child establish good brushing and flossing techniques and ask your child’s dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
How Can I Help My Child Avoid Cavities?
You can help your child reduce the risk of cavities by leading by example, especially by brushing your teeth after you eat or drink. Regular visits to the dentist are also important for your child’s teeth.
Where to Find the Best Family Dentist in the Bay Area
Established over three decades ago, San Francisco Dental Partners is a leading provider of comprehensive dentistry in the Bay Area.
Led by Dr. Jasmine Bhuva, DDS, our entire team is committed to providing an elevated dental experience and expert, patient-centered care that prioritizes whole-body wellness. With a proactive and modern approach to dental care, we focus on prevention and early intervention — including pediatric fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Ready to schedule fluoride treatments and sealants for your child at the best place for comprehensive dentistry in San Francisco?
