As parents, we want to do as much as we can to ensure the good health of our children. And oral health is an important element of overall wellness. Although kids’ primary teeth are only temporary, keeping them strong can have ramifications for years down the road. Regular fluoride treatment is one great way to strengthen kids’ teeth.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in almost all sources of water and many food items. It is known as “nature’s cavity fighter” because it works to strengthen tooth enamel, thereby preventing tooth decay. It does this by remineralizing enamel, or reincorporating minerals like calcium that get lost over time. Having strong enamel is one of the best protections against tooth decay.
Some parents worry that fluoride may actually damage their children’s teeth. This is simply not true. While overexposure can cause mild discoloration known as fluorosis, this does no harm to the structure of the tooth. Overexposure most often comes from natural water sources, such as wells. The amount of fluoride available to consumers in toothpastes and other products is small and carefully regulated, as is the amount allowed in community water sources. Fluoride treatment at Central Washington Pediatric Dentistry contains a more concentrated amount, but we are careful to only administer appropriate fluoride treatment to your child.
Research has shown that using fluoride dramatically reduces the incidence of cavities in children and adults. If you have additional questions about fluoride use for your kids, please call Dr. Neal Smith at 509-248-2973 today. We are pleased to offer top-quality pediatric dental care in Yakima, WA.
