Fluoride Dental Application

Fluoride helps protect against tooth decay and cavities in children’s teeth. At Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre, Sutton, one of our highly trained dentists will assess how much fluoride your child is exposed to through toothbrushing, mouthwashes and your home water supply. Our dental team will tailor it’s advice to make sure that your child is exposed to the correct amount of fluoride for their age and decay/cavity risk.

If your child is moderate-high risk for tooth decay we often advise professional fluoride application 2-3 times per year. Fluoride varnish is a pale yellow gel that is applied to the child’s teeth and sets quickly after application. Unlike fissure seals fluoride varnish has a fruity pleasant taste and smell. Scientific studies show that fluoride varnish gives additional protection to children’s teeth against decay when used alongside brushing teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride varnish has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 33%-45%. This is a flavoured paste which is applied to targeted ‘at-risk’ areas. It is important not to eat or drink for 1 hour after your fluoride application to ensure it’s maximum benefits.

Are there risks using fluoride?

When children swallow too much fluoride over a long time, they can develop fluorosis. This is faint white spots or patches that can be seen on their teeth. Most of the time it can only be seen by dentists who now the signs of it. The chances of developing fluorosis from fluoride varnish is very small. Fluorosis is usually mild and not painful. It does not affect the health or function of the teeth. Using fluoridated water to mix with formula in a baby’s bottle can increase the chances of fluorosis. After around 8 years old when the adult teeth come down the chance of developing fluorosis is gone.

Why do children need fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can slow down decay and prevent cavities. The mixture of the bacteria in our mouth and the acid from sugars can break down the protective outer layer of teeth called enamel. Fluoride has been proven to protect from damage and even assist in rebuilding enamel. Ireland has fluoride in our water like many other countries to help stop children and adults getting cavities. Children should brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and drink plenty of water.