Your Child and Fluoride Treatments

You want to do everything you can to protect your children from cavities and to instill healthy habits. Your child's dentist plays a pivotal role in your child's dental health. With regular checkups, cleanings, and other forms of care, like professional fluoride treatments, you'll be sure you are doing absolutely everything you can to help. For more information contact Dr. Martha Muldowney of Main Square Dental in Roscoe, IL.

Anatomy of a Cavity

Plaque builds on our teeth every day, and all the bacteria that call it home are the ones responsible for damaging our teeth. They feed on the sugary foods and drinks we consume and as a result produce the acids that can damage our gums and wear away the protective enamel on our teeth. If it's breached, then the bacteria can threaten the inner tissue of the tooth, which leads to inflammation and pain, and can threaten the health of the tooth.

Good dental hygiene is key to keeping plaque from building up. Daily brushing is a necessary first step, flossing for children is also advisable, although you will need to do it for younger ones, and monitor them as they get older. Check with your Roscoe, IL, dentist about flossing strategies for your children.

Regular visits to your dentist's office are as important to good dental hygiene as all the work you and your child do at home. Scheduled checkups and cleanings can make all the difference. It's during one of these visits that your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment.

How Fluoride Can Help

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in your bones and teeth, which has many uses in helping you fight cavities.

During a professional fluoride treatment, your child's dentist applies a concentrated solution to their teeth with this purpose in mind.

Fluoride is also found in much lower, yet very effective levels, in your toothpaste, and in the tap water most people consume. The latter has been hailed by the CDC as one of the great public achievements of the 20th century for its help in protecting communities from cavities.

Pediatric Dentistry in Roscoe, IL

Give your children the care that they deserve, make an appointment today with Dr. Muldowney of Main Square Dental in Roscoe, IL, by dialing (815) 623-9292 today!