Does My Daughter Need Fluoride Treatment?

Posted by AllSmiles

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.