Fluoride Treatment

At Central Park Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of growing healthy smiles from a young age. Protecting your child’s teeth can never start too early. After your child’s routine dental cleaning, we take the next step in preventing tooth decay by offering fluoride treatment. Our team applies this natural material as a varnish to your child’s teeth, thereby providing an effective form of cavity prevention. It’s quick, safe and completely comfortable for your child!

After your child’s routine six month cleaning, our pediatric dental team will paint a small amount of fluoride onto the surface of the teeth using a small brush. This only takes a few minutes, and we’ll make sure your child is comfortable throughout the process. The fluoride varnish, gel or foam hardens and dries quickly on the teeth. Usually, we will recommend these treatments every six months, but the frequency may depend on your child’s specific needs.

After your visit, your child can eat and drink normally, but should avoid hot foods or liquids and stick to soft foods if they experience any discomfort. Follow our team’s instructions about when your child should next brush their teeth after the treatment—we may recommend waiting several hours.

In addition to in-office treatments, your child receives fluoride in their drinking water and as well as toothpaste, which children can begin using at age three. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride consumption through public water is completely safe and can even reduce tooth decay by 25%. If you have concerns about how much your child should be receiving, contact us! We are happy to help guide you in making the best decisions about your family’s dental health.

Dental fluorosis can occur when your child ingests too much fluoride. Dental treatments, toothpaste and water all contain low amounts, and parents should not have to worry about the condition. Fluorosis can affect the appearance of a tooth, but, in most cases, does not cause pain or long lasting damage. Mild fluorosis results in small, white streaks on the teeth that become more prominent as the condition progresses. To avoid your child from developing fluorosis, make sure they are spitting, not swallowing, fluoride toothpaste or other products. You should also ask our pediatric dental experts before using supplemental products at home to make sure they are getting the right amount. We recommend only using a tiny bit of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, just to be safe!

If you have questions about how much fluoride your child should be receiving at home, ask us! We’re happy to help educate patients and their families on healthy oral habits. To request your child’s appointment in Steiner Ranch Location, Central Austin, or Dripping Springs, TX, simply complete our online appointment request form.