Did you know that over 35 percent of children aged 2-8 and almost 60 percent of teenagers have had at least one cavity? At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to help our young patients maintain healthy, cavity-free smiles. One of the ways we do that is by offering fluoride treatments. Touted as “nature’s cavity fighter,” the powerful mineral can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, enhancing your child’s oral health and quality of life.

Cavities Are on the Rise

Cavities have been on the decline in recent years due to improved oral hygiene, better awareness, and community drinking water fluoridation. However, many people are turning away from fluoridated tap water and opting for private wells or bottled water, leaving many young smiles at risk.

Unfortunately, the promising trend of lower cavity rates seems to be reversing. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay in young children is once again on the rise, with as many as a third of children developing cavities by ages 3-5. Early tooth decay can be a serious matter with long-term oral health implications.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a vital component of the ongoing battle against tooth decay. The naturally occurring mineral is found in certain foods and water sources. It is also added to community drinking water supplies, toothpaste, and mouthwash to lower the risk of cavities. While fluoride offers benefits to both adults and children, it is especially important in the younger years when the teeth are still developing.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatments?

Your child’s tooth enamel is under constant attack from bacteria, acids, and sugars, leading to a process called demineralization, which occurs when the tooth enamel is stripped of its minerals. Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss and replaces lost minerals or remineralizes your child’s tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay and cavities.

Fluoride can help reduce the harmful bacteria’s ability to produce acid. It also helps strengthen developing teeth. Fluoride can even reverse early tooth decay, safeguarding your child’s smile. Ensuring your child has adequate fluoride is one of the safest and most effective ways to maintain a cavity-free smile.

In-Office Fluoride Treatment

At Jet Set Smiles, we offer the latest and safest pediatric fluoride treatments to keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free. Our quick and pain-free treatments significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities, keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Caringfor your child’s teeth starts before they even erupt. Start by cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth. Once the first baby tooth comes in, brush with a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice. Around age three, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to monitor brushing time and teach your child how to spit out the toothpaste.

It’s important to limit your little one’s sugar and snack intake. We also recommend not allowing your baby to sleep with a bottle and filling your toddler’s sippy cup with only water.

Fluoride Treatments Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about maintaining healthy, cavity-free smiles. We strive to help our young patients establish healthy habits for long-term oral health. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.