Does My Child Need Fluoride Treatment?

If your dentist recommends fluoride treatment for your child, you may wonder whether it is really necessary — especially if your child already brushes with fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride can help prevent and control tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to the cavity process. But professional fluoride treatment should be considered as part of your child’s overall dental needs and cavity risk.

For a child who has already had cavities or is at increased risk for developing them, professional fluoride may be an especially useful part of a prevention plan.

What Does Fluoride Do for My Child’s Teeth?

Every day, tooth enamel is exposed to acids produced when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates.

Fluoride helps protect teeth from this process and can support remineralization of weakened enamel before a cavity becomes established.

That is why fluoride is used in several ways, including fluoride toothpaste, fluoridated drinking water and professionally applied topical fluoride treatments.

Does Every Child Need Professional Fluoride Treatment?

Not every child has exactly the same risk of developing cavities, so preventive dental care should be individualized.

A dentist may consider several factors when deciding whether professional fluoride treatment is appropriate, including:

If your child keeps developing cavities, the more useful question may be why your child’s cavity risk is elevated and what can be done about it.

Read
Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?

What Happens During a Fluoride Treatment?

Professional topical fluoride is applied directly to the teeth. Fluoride varnish is one commonly used form for children.

The application itself is generally quick. Your dental team can explain which fluoride product is being recommended, why it is appropriate for your child and any instructions to follow afterward.

If My Child Uses Fluoride Toothpaste, Why Would They Need More Fluoride?

Brushing with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day is an important first line of cavity prevention for children.

Professional fluoride treatment is different because it provides a topical fluoride application in the dental setting. For children with increased cavity risk, a dentist may recommend professional treatment in addition to good brushing at home.

One does not replace the other. Home care remains important even when professional fluoride treatment is recommended.

How Much Fluoride Toothpaste Should My Child Use?

The amount matters, particularly for younger children who may swallow toothpaste.

For children younger than age 3, current pediatric dental guidance recommends a smear or rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. For children ages 3 through 6, use no more than a pea-sized amount.

Young children should be supervised and assisted with brushing so the appropriate amount is used and teeth are cleaned thoroughly.

Is Fluoride Safe for Children?

Fluoride has been used extensively in dentistry to help prevent tooth decay. As with many preventive treatments, the amount and method of use matter.

One concern with excessive fluoride ingestion while permanent teeth are developing is dental fluorosis, which can cause changes in the appearance of tooth enamel. This is one reason parents should use only the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste for young children and supervise brushing.

Professional fluoride recommendations should also consider your child’s age, cavity risk and other sources of fluoride exposure.

What Should I Ask My Dentist?

If fluoride treatment is recommended and you are unsure why, ask.

• Is my child at increased risk for cavities?
• Why are you recommending fluoride treatment today?
• What type of fluoride treatment are you using?
• How often might my child need it?
• What should we be doing at home to help prevent cavities?

Parents should understand the reason behind a preventive treatment rather than feeling that it is simply something automatically added to every dental visit.

Fluoride Is Only One Part of Cavity Prevention

Fluoride can be valuable, but preventing cavities usually involves more than one strategy.

Good brushing, appropriate fluoride exposure, eating and drinking habits, regular dental care and, for some children, dental sealants can all be part of an individualized prevention plan.

If you’re wondering whether sealants may also help protect your child’s back teeth, read
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

If you are wondering how often your child should have regular dental visits, read
How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?

Children’s Dental Care at Cedar Hills Dental Care

Cedar Hills Dental Care provides family dentistry for children and adults near Beaverton. Our practice has served the community since 1986 and has cared for more than 10,000 smiles.

Christine Chin, DMD brings more than 35 years of dental experience and is an Oregon Health & Science University-educated dentist. Our approach emphasizes comfortable, compassionate and non-judgmental dental care.

If you have questions about fluoride treatment for your child, we can evaluate your child’s teeth and cavity risk and explain which preventive options may be appropriate.

Learn more about our
Dental Care for Children
and our growing collection of resources for parents.

Further Reading for Parents

For more information about cavities and preventive dental care for children, these Cedar Hills Dental Care articles may also help:

• Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?
• Does My Child Have a Cavity? Signs Parents Should Watch For
• Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
• Does My Child Really Need a Filling in a Baby Tooth?
• How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?