Fluoride is completely safe when used properly. No reputable scientific studies have shown any negative effects or health issues caused by fluoride use.
SDF treatments are usually part of a routine six-month visit at our office. Your child’s treatment will begin with x-rays, if necessary, then a hygienist will clean their teeth. After this, Dr. Sholander will examine their mouth and make sure their teeth are healthy.
After your child’s cleaning and exam, a thin layer of fluoride varnish will be painted onto their teeth and left in place. This only takes a few minutes.
It’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after SDF treatment. This lets the fluoride “sit” on your child’s teeth for a longer period of time, providing better overall results.
Typically, SDF treatments are recommended every six months for kids. This provides plenty of protection and helps keep their teeth healthy. In addition, almost all dental plans for kids cover two yearly fluoride treatments, so this helps you make the most of your dental insurance.
However, some children may need more frequent treatments if they’re very cavity-prone. Dr. Sholander will discuss the proper treatment interval with you during your child’s appointment at Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
The most important thing to do is to make sure they’re brushing their teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. When used daily, fluoride toothpaste does the same thing as a fluoride treatment. It attracts minerals to the teeth and helps protect them from decay.
Flossing once a day is also a good idea. Daily flossing helps remove bacteria, food particles, and other debris that can’t be washed away with brushing alone.
In addition, reduce or eliminate sugary drinks from your child’s routine. Sugary drinks like cola, sweetened tea, and juice are very bad for their oral health. It’s best for kids to drink water and milk, except on very special occasions.
Also, choose tap water over bottled water. Tap water is fortified with a small amount of fluoride, which helps keep their teeth healthy. It’s also cheaper than buying bottled or filtered water, so that’s another bonus.
Help your children maintain a healthy diet, too. Sugary drinks are a big cause of cavities, but so are processed sweet and salty snacks like candy, cookies, chips, and pretzels. Try to feed your kids wholesome foods like whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruit, lean meat, and healthy dairy products.