Does My Daughter Need Fluoride Treatment?

I am unsure about letting my six-yr-old daughter get fluoride treatments from her pediatric dentist. I am slow to introduce chemicals into my children’s bodies. I don’t even use fluoride toothpaste for her yet. She is young, and I am concerned she might swallow the toothpaste. I know I can refuse the treatment if the dentist recommends it again, but is fluoride treatment necessary or just recommended? Thank you. Karmen

 

Karmen,

Thank you for contacting Radiant Smiles of Rocky Hill about fluoride treatment for children. You can decline any services you do not want your daughter to receive.

Is Fluoride for Kids Treatment Necessary?

Pediatric dentists routinely and safely provide fluoride treatments to help preserve primary teeth. Depending on the condition of a child’s teeth, a dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry confirms that fluoride treatment is a safe and effective way to minimize tooth decay risks.

The treatment helps in the following ways:

• Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.
• Cavity prevention in primary teeth is essential to preserve the teeth.
• Healthy primary teeth can help guide permanent teeth into the correct position.

How Does a Dentist Give a Child Fluoride?

Family or pediatric dentists may offer fluoride treatment in these forms:

• Foam
• Gel
• Varnish

Using varnish or foam reduces the risk of swallowing the fluoride. If you have concerns about your daughter swallowing fluoride, you can ask how the dentist administers fluoride treatments. The dentist will recommend that your daughter does not eat or drink anything for at least 1.5 hours after the fluoride treatment. Also, wait four to six hours before brushing her teeth.

If you are still uncomfortable, you can ask the dentist to refrain from using the fluoride treatments until you agree that your daughter is ready for them. You can also get a second opinion on whether fluoride treatment will benefit your daughter.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

What Are Treatment Options for a Teen’s Chipped Teeth?

My 14-year-old daughter’s front teeth are chipped from an accident. They are her permanent teeth, so our options are limited. At 14, she may have another growth spurt. Are veneers or bonding the only options for her chipped teeth? Thank you. Danielle

Danielle,

Thank you for your question. You are correct that veneers or bonding are the options for permanent teeth unless the tooth is severely damaged.

What Are the Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth?

For a teenager who is still growing, dental bonding is the preferred option for minor chipped teeth. When a large portion of a tooth is missing, a dentist will x-ray it for internal damage and determine whether the tooth needs a dental crown to protect it. A skilled cosmetic dentist can conceal the chips with these steps:

• Clean the teeth
• Roughen the surfaces
• Etch the teeth and apply a bonding agent
• Select and blend dental composites that match the teeth
• Apply and shape layers of composite on each tooth
• Harden the composite
• Reshape and polish the composite to match the surrounding natural teeth

Cosmetic dentists can restore chipped teeth with dental bonding while patients sit in the dental chair. Bonding strengthens teeth because, according to the American Dental Association, tooth enamel and bonding fuse. The seamless bond will look completely natural.

How Long Will Dental Bonding Last?

Quality dental bonding placed by a cosmetic dentist lasts an average of five years. As the bonding wears, a dentist will eventually need to replace it. If your daughter takes care of the bonding and sees a cosmetic dentist to refresh it and remove stains.

What About Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?

Porcelain veneers can restore chipped teeth, but dental bonding is more practical for a growing teenager whose jaw is still growing. A dentist would need to replace the veneers when the jaw and tooth are complete, and each veneer costs over $1,000.

Will Dental Insurance Pay to Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Although dental insurance will not cover the entire cost of dental bonding, it may provide some coverage. Contact your dental insurance company to ask about plan benefits.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who treats children.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

 

What If My Child’s Baby Teeth Are Not Falling Out?

My daughter Sophia is six years old and will be seven next January. She still has her baby teeth. The teeth are not loose, so I wonder whether they will fall out or if a dentist needs to intervene. Should I be concerned that her baby teeth are not falling out? Thank you. Zoraida from VT

Zoraida – Thank you for your question. Several factors affect when and which primary teeth fall out and why permanent teeth may not develop.

What If Your Child’s Primary Teeth Are Not Falling Out?

If your child’s primary teeth are not falling out, the reason may depend on your child’s age and which teeth are not falling out. Look at the schedule below to determine whether your child should be losing primary teeth. If the time has passed for your child to lose primary teeth, schedule an appointment with a pediatric or family dentist for an exam and x-rays.

What Are Reasons that Primary Teeth Do Not Fall Out?

Reasons that a child’s primary teeth do not fall out include:

• Permanent teeth erupting in the wrong position – Permanent teeth should develop beneath primary teeth. Sometimes, they grow in front of or behind primary teeth, fail to push primary teeth roots to help the teeth loosen, and erupt in front of or behind baby teeth instead.
• Severe crowding – Crowded primary teeth can cause a lack of space and prevent proper development and eruption of permanent teeth.
• Undeveloped permanent teeth – Sometimes, permanent teeth do not develop and emerge. Genetics, disease, inadequate nutrition, and other factors can prevent permanent teeth from growing.

What Is the Treatment for Adult Teeth that Do Not Emerge?

When a child’s permanent teeth do not emerge or develop, treatment options depend on the cause of the concerns. A dentist must examine your child’s teeth and take x-rays to determine whether permanent teeth exist and their location.

Treatment options may include:

• Exposing impacted teeth
• Removing primary teeth to make room for permanent ones that are developing in front of or behind them
• Orthodontics
• Artificial tooth replacement, such as dental implants, for permanent teeth that will never develop

 

Rocky Hill, Connecticut cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, sponsors this post.