Why do Children Need Flouride Treatments?

What is dental fluoride and why does my child need fluoride treatments?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen developing teeth. Extensive, high quality scientific research has been done that repeatedly demonstrates the safety of Fluoride when used appropriately in a professional setting, as we do. As with any treatment, too much Fluoride can weaken the teeth, but the concentrations of Fluoride needed to weaken teeth are far above the concentrations that we use in the course of routine dental care.

How often should children have a fluoride treatment?

Children should usually have a professional fluoride treatment at the dental office twice per year up until the age of 18.

Does my child need fluoride vitamins or supplements?

This is a question we are often asked and the answer is “it depends”. Whether or not a child needs to have fluoride vitamins is related to the amount of fluoridated water that your child comes into contact with on a daily basis. For example, if your town’s water if fluoridated and you cook with this water, then your child will not need as much supplementation, if at all. If, however, your child is in a fluoridated community but she drinks bottled water exclusively, and you don’t cook with the town’s water, then the needed for Fluoride supplements will be greater. When Dr. Batra meets with you and your child, he will discuss with you whether or not your child needs to have a fluoride supplement.