It is recommended that your child brushes two to three times a day, flosses before bed, and visits the dentist every six months. But did you know that using fluoride, a naturally occuring mineral, you can reduce the risk of getting cavities significantly.

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating and remineralizing the teeth which makes them harder and more resistant to acid attack by bacteria.  It can also neutralize or kill the "bad bacteria" reducing the acid attack on the teeth.

Fluoride comes in two varieties, systemic and topical:

• Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through a public water supply. While teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities.
• Fluoride can also be applied topically to help prevent caries (cavities) on teeth present in the mouth. It is delivered through toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride applications.

Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist

A fluoride treatment in the dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. Depending on your child’s oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, your child may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe at-home fluoride products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, or antibacterial rinses.

How to choose the right fluoride treatment

When choosing an at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and approved by the ADA based on safety and effectiveness. 

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved topical solution that treats and prevents dental caries and reduces tooth sensitivity. It is made with two acting ingredients: the silver component is an anti-microbial agent that kills bacteria and prevents the formation of new biofilm, and the fluoride prevents further demineralization (softening) of the tooth structure.

Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns, etc.) to repair function or aesthetics, but is effective in slowing the decay process.

SDF is a simple and noninvasive way to treat carious lesions (cavities), and it can be done from the comfort of our dental office.

• The teeth are brushed without paste and rinsed.
• The carious teeth are isolated, kept dry, and all excess debris is removed.
• A microbrush is dipped in a drop of SDF and placed on the lesion(s) for two minutes.
• Any decayed areas will stain black. Healthy tooth structure will not stain.
• Excess SDF is removed and patients are instructed to not eat or drink for one hour.

Why use SDF?

We recommend using SDF in several situations, including:

• Children who have extreme decay (severe early childhood caries)
• Young children who have difficulty sitting still for treatment
• Special needs patients
• Children with carious lesions (cavities) that need to be treated over several visits

The Advantages of SDF:

• Provides immediate relief from tooth hypersensitivity
• Kills the organisms that cause cavities
• Hardens softened dentin making it more acid- and abrasion-resistant
• Does not stain healthy dentin or enamel