Fluoride Treatment

Smiles By Marcello

At Marcello Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we love helping children maintain good oral hygiene. We strive to provide our young patients with the best dental care, including preventive treatments such as fluoride treatment in Thibodaux.

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water sources and certain foods. It has been recognized for its ability to prevent tooth decay, making it an essential element in maintaining good oral health. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria that can cause cavities.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste and other dental products as part of a daily oral hygiene routine; however, additional fluoride treatment may sometimes be necessary to provide extra protection for children’s teeth.

Book an appointment today for your child’s fluoride treatment. Together, we can ensure your child grows up with a bright, healthy smile! We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!

Other Ways to Protect Your Child's Teeth

In addition to fluoride treatment, parents can take other preventive measures to protect their child’s teeth from decay. These include:

Encouraging a healthy diet with limited sugary snacks and drinks
Establishing a consistent daily oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day
Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months
Using dental sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth
Teaching your child proper brushing techniques and supervising their oral hygiene habits until they are old enough to do it independently.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatment involves directly applying a concentrated solution to the teeth. The treatment is quick and painless, and it can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatment is beneficial for children who are at a higher risk of developing cavities. This includes children who have poor oral hygiene habits, consume a lot of sugary foods and drinks, have deep grooves or pits in their teeth, or have previous experience with dental caries.

Children with special needs, such as those with developmental disabilities or medical conditions that affect their teeth, may also benefit from fluoride treatment. Additionally, children wearing braces may be more prone to tooth decay due to the difficulty of cleaning around the brackets and wires. In such cases, fluoride treatment can provide extra protection for their teeth.

When Should Fluoride Treatment Be Administered?

Fluoride treatment is most effective when administered every six months during routine dental checkups; however, our Marcello Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team may recommend additional treatments if your child has a higher risk of tooth decay or shows signs of early cavities.

What to Expect During Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatment is a quick and painless procedure we can complete in just a few minutes. Our team will first clean and dry your child’s teeth thoroughly before applying the fluoride solution.

After the treatment, patients can eat and drink right away, but we recommend waiting to brush until bedtime to allow the fluoride to penetrate the tooth enamel fully.