Fluoride Treatment for Children

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water, as well as in foods and drinks including fish and tea. It is beneficial in helping to prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid. It is this acid that causes tooth decay.

While fluoride occurs naturally and is added to water supplies in some parts of the UK – including the East Midlands – and is also commonly added to toothpaste. Some patients particularly at risk of decay, especially children, benefit from additional treatment with fluoride varnish to help protect their teeth.

Fluoride varnish contains high levels of fluoride and is painted onto the surface of the teeth, strengthening the enamel and helping to prevent decay. It can be applied to both milk teeth and adult teeth. Because children in the UK still have some of the worst rates of tooth decay in the developed world, we recommend bringing your child to see the dentist for fluoride varnish treatment from the age of three. In some cases, we may recommend starting treatment at a younger age, if we feel your child’s health would benefit from it.

At Smile Perfections, we want to stop problems before they start and so we are passionate about preventative dentistry. The application of fluoride varnish is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that can be carried out at your child’s regular dental check-up. It can help to prevent more extensive treatments such as fillings or tooth extraction.

Fluoride varnish is a yellow gel with a pleasant taste. Your dentist will paint it on to the surface of your child’s teeth using a soft brush. Once applied, it sets quickly and starts protecting the teeth straight away. It is recommended that children who have had fluoride varnish applied do not brush their teeth until the following morning, after which their normal twice-a-day brushing regime should resume.

In some cases, we will also recommend fluoride treatment for adults, particularly if you suffer from a dry mouth (caused by a range of medications and medical conditions), have restorations such as bridges or crowns, or wear braces. Our hygienists apply a fluoride treatment to adult patients using fluoride gel and trays, here in the practice.

If you are interested in fluoride treatment for yourself or for your children, please contact our reception team to book an appointment.

For more information regarding this treatment