Advantages of Fluoride Varnish

Advantages of Fluoride Varnish
Photo by Jessica Rockowitz / Unsplash

Did you know that every time your child visits the dentist or brushes their teeth, fluoride is applied to their teeth? Due to its numerous advantages for oral health, fluoride has been utilised in dentistry for the past 70 years. Fluoride is applied to the outer surface of your child's teeth by their paediatric dentist in addition to being an active component in toothpastes and mouthwashes. As a preventative dental health practise, fluoride is also frequently added to drinking water in communities.

Fluoride is safe, despite the fears of some people. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in the earth's crust; it is not a drug. It is made of fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the universe. This well-liked substance is naturally present in phosphate rocks, water, and soil. In actuality, phosphate rocks are the source of both fluoride and the phosphoric acid present in sodas.

Here are just a few of fluoride's numerous advantages so you can understand what it does for the oral health of your kids:

Boosts Enamel Strength

Demineralization, one of the initial stages of cavity formation, happens when bacterial acids start to erode tooth enamel. By aiding the enamel's absorption of calcium and phosphate, two essential elements of enamel, fluoride can halt demineralization and stimulate the tooth to remineralize itself. Fluoride aids in the restoration of weak enamel by assisting the tooth to remineralize, making the enamel stronger all around. Additionally, fluoride can aid in slowing the development of deterioration. In some situations, it can even reverse newly formed deterioration.

Protects baby teeth

All of your child's baby teeth must stay in place until their permanent teeth erupt naturally, even though their primary teeth will ultimately fall out and be replaced by those of your child. Baby teeth that are lost early due to decay may result in crowding or overlapping of the permanent teeth once they start to develop. Fluoride contributes to the strengthening of tooth enamel and increases its resistance to decay. In the end, it aids in keeping the baby teeth and delays early tooth loss.

Controls bacteria

In your child's mouth, various types of germs are present naturally. Although some of these bacteria are good and normal, an excessive amount of bacteria is the main factor in tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, fluoride damages the microorganisms responsible for tooth decay. This reduces the likelihood of cavities forming by regulating the number of bacteria in your child's mouth.

Reduces costs

Fluoride maintenance maintains your child's tooth enamel robust and more resistant to decay. Fluoride also controls bacterial development and aids in the preservation of baby teeth. Together, these factors lessen the likelihood that your child will require restorative dental procedures. Additionally, it lessens the expense of those restorative dental services for you.

Safe

Numerous medical and health organisations consider fluoride to be safe when it is utilised by your child's paediatric dentist. Fluoride levels in sodas, juices, and drinking water are substantially higher than those in toothpaste and other topical therapies, which are much lower. In actuality, sodas, juices, and water account for about 75% of your child's entire fluoride intake. However, fluoride overdose is always a risk. Although it's uncommon, your youngster can get brown or white stains on their teeth that indicate too much fluoride. Your child's paediatric dentist will advise you on what to do in this situation.