The enamel that coats the teeth could weaken with time and increase the risk of tooth decay and infection in little smiles. But our team offers a unique preventive treatment to strengthen smiles and lower the risk of tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist talks about the benefits of fluoride treatment.

Fluoride Treatment 

The treatment is applied in a single visit, usually as part of your child’s checkup and cleaning. Essentially, we dry the teeth and apply a special varnish to the surface. The layer then protects and strengthens the outer enamel. This naturally-occurring mineral has been shown to lower tooth decay in communities that have added it to the drinking water. In the topical gel form we apply, this can help kids with a high risk for tooth decay enjoy healthier smiles. We’re proud to offer this additional line of defense for little smiles.

Fluoride Toothpaste

You can also find this in toothpaste! We recommend children use a rice-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste when they brush in the toddler years, and older kids should use a pea-sized blot. Look for age-appropriate toothpastes that contain fluoride, or the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, on the packaging. Your kids should brush twice a day, once in the morning and then again at night before going to bed. Be sure they clean their teeth for at least two minutes to thoroughly clean. You can time them with a sand timer, or with a fun song or video.

Dental Sealants 

We could also further protect smiles with dental sealants. These are plastic coatings we apply to the rear teeth. The layer then prevents food particles from adhering to the teeth or beaching trapped between them. For kids with limited dexterity and difficulty reaching the rear teeth, this lowers the risk of cavities! They can last for up to ten years, and will wear away gradually with time. We can always re-apply as needed in the future. 

If you have any questions about our treatments to help avoid the onset of cavities, then contact our team today. You can schedule your child’s first checkup and cleaning of 2022, and help them start the year off with a brighter and healthy smile. Routine care is vital for keeping kids’ smiles healthy, and for helping them understand the importance of good oral health. 

Talk To Your Round Rock, TX Dentist About Avoiding Cavities

With our preventive treatment options, we want to help kids of all ages stay free of tooth decay. If you would like to find out more about our treatment options, contact your Round Rock, TX, dentist, Dr. Thames, by calling 512-733-5311.