Blog

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps build strong teeth and prevent cavity formation. It strengthens the enamel, reduces plaque formation, detects decays early on, and also reduces the rate of enamel breakdown. 

Fluoride has a preventive effect on decay in children, and hence, water fluoridation was introduced in the USA in the 1940s. Research has shown that the rate of decay reduced from 90% to 60% in at least one tooth over a period of 20 years. 

Visit Dr. Devi from Jeanne V. Devi, DDS located in Pasadena, California, to clear all your doubts regarding this application for your children. Before you visit the dentist, read up about it. 

Fluoride Application for Children

Over the past few decades, topical fluoride application has proven to be quite effective as a dental treatment for children. Kids are taken to the dentist every 3, 6, or 12 months, and depending on their overall oral health. 

The dentist can recommend a frequency of fluoride application. Kids can get fluoride application in various forms – varnish, gel, paste, foam, and rinses.

• Toothpaste

Fluoride-based toothpastes are widely available, and dentists often recommend it for regular home use. Children below 3 years old should use about a grain-sized amount, those between 3 and 6 years should use about a pea-sized amount of such toothpaste.  The paste should not be swallowed, so parental monitoring is required.

• Rinses

Fluoride mouth rinses are also available and kids can rinse their mouth once daily under parental supervision.

• Varnish

In a dental set-up, after cleaning the teeth, a thin layer of varnish can also be applied with a brush on the teeth. It is left in place for about 5 minutes and then washed off.

• Gels

Fluoride gels can be used in custom made or standard sized trays at home or at a dental clinic. It is filled with a thin layer of fluoride gel and placed in the child’s mouth for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. 

• Foam

Fluoride is applied as foam on the teeth by using special trays for 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on your child’s overall health and the local water’s fluoride levels, your dentist will recommend the best option.

For fluoride application for children, fix an appointment with any of the dental team members at Jeanne V. Devi, D.D.S. by calling this number - (626) (795-2544). Or visit the clinic at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, California 91101.