Fluoride Treatments

Why Might My Child Need Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and it can be found in some water supplies and in certain foods. It is extremely important that young children receive adequate fluoride as it helps to make their teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride is able to do this by increasing the resistance of teeth to acid attack. Every day teeth come under attack from acids found in foods and from acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. This begins a process called demineralisation, where essential minerals including fluoride are removed from the tooth surfaces. As the mouth becomes less acidic, a process called remineralisation occurs, where some of these minerals are re-deposited back into the tooth surfaces. Fluoride helps to speed up this process.

How Can I Ensure My Child Receives Sufficient Fluoride?

We can talk to you about your child’s fluoride intake, including the use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. If necessary, we will provide additional fluoride in the form of a varnish. Fluoride varnish is simply painted onto clean tooth surfaces and is left for a few hours or even overnight to penetrate the teeth before being brushed off.