Your child brushes twice a day, flosses regularly, and visits the dentist every six months. But did you know that rinsing with fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – also helps keep teeth healthy and strong?
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating teeth and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface.
Fluoride comes in two varieties, systemic and topical:
- Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply or oral supplements. While teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities.
- Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent cavities on teeth present in the mouth. It is delivered through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications. Professional application of topical fluoride varnish is also a valuable tool in cavity prevention.
Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist
A fluoride treatment in the dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. With our in-office fluoride varnishes, our patients no longer need to wait to eat or drink. Your doctor may also prescribe at-home fluoride products such as mouthwash, gels, or antibacterial rinses.
Does my child need fluoride supplements
Hawaii is one of the few states in the United States without fluoride in the drinking water. Hawaii also has one of the highest rates of tooth decay in children which is why we recommend fluoride supplements for children up until 8 years old. Ask your pediatrician for an all-in-one multivitamin with fluoride or you can ask your pediatric dentist to prescribe either a daily fluoride chew or drop.
How to choose the right fluoride treatment
When choosing an at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and approved by the ADA based on safety and effectiveness.