What is the right age for your child to start fluoride treatment?
Healthy teeth and gums are important for the overall health of your children. This is the reason your dentist and hygienist will always talk about good dental habits even if your child has just one tooth. Your dentist may suggest fluoride varnish treatments once your child has teeth. They recommend varnish treatments to prevent tooth decay. The frequency of fluoride treatments depends on your child’s teeth and how likely they are to develop cavities.
Fluoride Varnish
It is a dental treatment that helps to slow down, stop, or prevent tooth decay. The fluoride varnish is created with the mineral called fluoride that helps to give strength to the tooth enamel. When a child has good brushing and flossing habits, gets regular dental care, and eats a healthy diet, then fluoride treatment can help prevent tooth decay. Cavities make teeth weak and sensitive which can lead to tooth loss, pain, and in severe cases can cause infection.
It fights tooth decay in two different ways.
1. When fluoride is ingested, it gets absorbed into the structure of developing teeth. The water is NOT fluoridated, so using a toothpaste with fluoride is recommended for its residents.
2. When it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth, fluoride protects it.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common childhood diseases and yet it is almost entirely preventable.
Fluoride recommendations for children and adults
So, what is the right age for kids to get fluoride varnish treatment? Generally, kids below 6 months old do not need any fluoride treatment. Your doctor may suggest fluoride tablets, vitamins, or drops if you live in a non-fluorinated area. The dosage of fluoride entirely depends on your child’s age and water content in the fluoride.
Daily recommended amounts of fluoride.
● From birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5mg
● From age 4 to 6 years: 1 to 2.5 mg
● From age 7 to 10, 1.5 to 2.5mg
● Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4mg.
Here are some of the tips that you can use.
● Toothpaste with fluoride is easily found in stores. Specialty products containing a higher amount of fluoride may also be recommended by your hygienist or dentist.
● Use a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste with water on the baby brush or washcloth for your infants.