Sometimes, it can seem like children’s teeth are just prone to developing problems like cavities. The truth, though, is that they’re no more at-risk for cavity development than adults are, on average. The problem is often simply one of care and maintenance; children aren’t as adept at brushing and flossing their teeth every day. As such, plaque and tartar can accumulate in more spots and be left there until your child’s next dental visit. In addition to thoroughly cleaning away this plaque and tartar during your child’s visit, we can also recommend additional measures like fluoride treatment to strengthen their teeth and help successfully prevent cavities from forming.
The most important defense your child’s teeth have against harmful oral bacteria is the healthy enamel that surrounds and protects their teeth. This semi-translucent layer of minerals repels oral bacteria so they can’t infect the main structures of your child’s teeth. However, when oral bacteria accumulate on their surfaces, they can erode this enamel, making it too weak to repel the bacteria. Fluoride is a mineral that can be topically applied to your child’s teeth surfaces, allowing it to bond to the enamel and strengthen it against cavity-causing oral bacteria.
Generally, keeping tooth enamel strong and healthy can be achieved by consistently cleaning away the oral bacteria that weaken it. With excellent hygiene practices and regular checkup and cleaning appointments, nearly everyone has a good chance of successfully stopping oral bacteria from eroding their tooth enamel. Yet, for children’s teeth, which are still growing and developing, healthy enamel may sometimes need a boost to remain healthy. During your child’s checkup, we’ll thoroughly inspect the health and integrity of your child’s tooth enamel to determine if they’re at a higher risk of developing a cavity. If so, then fluoride treatment may be an important advantage in preventing it.
Fluoride treatment is designed specifically to help strengthen your child’s weakened tooth enamel, but it doesn’t permanently strengthen it. After treatment, your child’s enamel may still grow weak under attacks from oral bacteria, unless you help them stick to a good hygiene routine at home and ensure they make it to every scheduled checkup and cleaning appointment from then on. Avoiding cavity development and protecting your child’s oral health are ongoing efforts, and consistent care is the best way to succeed at it.
Along with good hygiene and regular preventive care, fluoride treatment can be an important part of helping your child avoid cavity development. To schedule an appointment, call Yelena Popkova D.D.S. in Merrimack, NH, today at 603-595-9400. We also serve the residents of Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Milford, and all surrounding communities.