In soil and water sources, fluoride is a mineral. In the United States and other nations, fluoride is added to the water supply. Some toothpaste, mouthwashes, and vitamin supplements also include it. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities for it strengthens the enamel of the teeth. A natural mineral called fluoride has the ability to prevent cavities from forming altogether. The enamel of the tooth can become damaged when bacteria in the mouth mix carbohydrates to create acid. Fluoride helps restore enamel and protects teeth from harm. To help prevent cavities, fluoride has been added to the tap water in many places. Children should drink a lot of water and use fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing their teeth.
Fluoride: How Does It Work?
Tooth decay is the main cause of cavities. Some types of oral bacteria can lead to tooth decay. These microorganisms produce acid that can erode tooth enamel. Fluoride stops the enamel from being destroyed by the acid. It also aids in the self-healing of acid-damaged teeth. Although fluoride cannot treat cavities, it can slow certain tooth decay and stop the development of new ones.Fluoride for kids (เคลือบฟลูออไรด์เด็ก, term in Thai) is a must as it safeguard kid’s overall health. A dental procedure known as fluoride varnish can help prevent, slow down, or stop the progression of tooth decay. This fluoride is very good at improving tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of the teeth. Hence, the very reason why fluoride is used to make fluoride varnish.
Fluoride as part of kid’s good dental habit
Before your child erupts with their first tooth, the doctor will discuss excellent dental practices with you and one of which is having fluoride varnish to prevent tooth-related problems such as tooth decay. The ideal time is two to four times a year. Fluoride varnish is one of the common procedures offered by dentists once you bring your child to the dental office. As a parent, you might not see this procedure necessary until your kid’s dentist tells you so.
Remember that using fluoride varnish is not a foolproof method of preventing cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments work best to prevent decay when a child also uses the recommended amount of fluoridated toothpaste, flosses frequently, receives routine dental care, and consumes a nutritious diet. In other words, it should be a collaborative effort.
Should I apply fluoride varnish on my child?
Yes. The application of fluoride varnish can assist to stop or reduce tooth decay. At well-child checkups beginning when your infant is 6 months old, your pediatrician will start using the varnish. Each tooth’s top and sides are painted with it, and it immediately becomes hard. After a few hours, it is removed with a brush. Up until the age of five, it is advised that kids should undergo fluoride varnish for at least two to three times a year. That way, your kids teeth have protection from dental caries and tooth decay, which will eventually help prevent any complex dental health issues that require a lot of money to fix.
