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Tooth decay causes cavities and is the number one cuase of tooth loss in children. Fluoride prevents tooth decay and can reverse the earliest signs of tooth decay in your toddler. It strengthens the tooth structure, so teeth become more resistant to plaque and bacteria. Fluoride also repairs, or remineralizes, areas in which acid attacks have already begun. This creates reversal of the decay while strengthening valuable tooth structure all at once. While it is important for your child to get the right amount of fluoride, excessive fluoride can also be a problem. Much less common in California, since our tap water is not fluoridated, too much fluoride can create harmless, yet unsightly brown spots called fluorosis. Dr. Vafa, your fluoride dentist, and his dental team are happy to assist you in helping monitor your child’s fluoride intake. Fluoride is available as topical fluoride and systemic fluoride. Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouthwash and fluoride therapy professionally applied by Dr. Vafa. It gives protection to teeth currently present in your child’s mouth. Systemic fluoride is ingested and assists forming tooth structures in addition to giving topical protection by being present in saliva after ingestion. Systemic fluoride includes fluoride found in water or supplements, such as tablets, drops, or lozenges.For more information check the website of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
