Fluoride is a mineral that helps tooth enamel stand up to the acids that cause cavities. At most checkups, our pediatric dentists in San Antonio brush a thin fluoride varnish onto your child’s teeth. It takes about a minute, tastes mild, and lets your child go back to their day almost right away.
How fluoride protects children’s teeth
Every time your child eats, germs on the teeth make acid that strips minerals out of the enamel. Fluoride helps put those minerals back and makes the enamel harder for acid to break down. It can even help very early soft spots recover before they turn into cavities.
Fluoride works best in small, regular amounts: from toothpaste each day, from community tap water, and from a stronger varnish a few times a year at the dentist.
What happens during a fluoride varnish treatment?
- We wipe the teeth dry.
- The varnish is painted on with a small brush. It sets almost as soon as it touches saliva.
- Your child can eat and drink soon after. Soft foods and cool drinks are best for the rest of the day, and it’s best to wait until the next morning to brush the varnish off.
The teeth may look a little yellow or feel slightly fuzzy until the varnish is brushed away. That’s normal.
Is fluoride safe for kids?
Yes, in the right amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend fluoride varnish for children as part of routine care. Only a small amount is used, and the varnish is made to cling to the teeth.
The one thing to watch is how much toothpaste young children swallow. While adult teeth are forming, getting too much fluoride every day can cause faint white marks on them, called fluorosis. Using the right amount of toothpaste prevents it:
- First tooth to age 3: a smear about the size of a grain of rice.
- Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount.
- Teach your child to spit out the extra, and supervise brushing until they can.
If you have questions about fluoride, bring them to your next visit. We’re always glad to talk it through.
Fluoride and San Antonio tap water
San Antonio Water System tap water is fluoridated. If your family drinks mostly bottled or filtered water, or you live outside the city on well water, let us know. It helps us understand how much fluoride your child is already getting.
How often should my child get fluoride varnish?
Most children get it at each six-month checkup. If your child is at higher risk for cavities, we may suggest it more often.
Can my baby have fluoride varnish?
Yes. The AAP recommends fluoride varnish once the first tooth comes in. It’s often part of your baby’s First Visit.
Is fluoride the same as a sealant?
No, and they work well together. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on every surface. Dental Sealants fill in the deep grooves on back teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Related: Dental Sealants, Exams & Cleanings, Silver Diamine Fluoride, Preventive Dentistry